Program Overview
When a victim/survivor of a criminal offence decides to report what happened to them, they may need support. In this program you will receive the training and skills necessary to advocate for victims and help them access the services they need to rebuild their lives and regain their confidence.
Admission Requirements
- Related diploma or degree
- Proof of English language proficiency required
OR
- A minimum of three years of related industry experience detailed in a professional resumé with a letter of intent may be considered.
- Proof of English language proficiency required
Please note: there are post-admission requirements for this program. Please visit the Admissions Requirements tab for details.
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Tuition
Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
Year one international: $13,322 (CAD)
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Semester 1 Courses
- Impact Of Crime (CRIM 1305)
- Diversity And Victimology I: Indigenous Peoples (DIVS 1300)
- Community Partnerships I (FWK 1313)
- Victimology: Assessment And Intervention (INTR 1300)
- Violence Against Women: Assessment And Intervention (INTR 1303)
- Reflection, Self Care & Professional Practice In Victims' Services (REFL 2300)
- Research & Grant/Proposal Writing (RESR 1303)
- Victimization: Legal Perspectives (VCTM 1300)
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Social Services
Intervention
Support
Technology recommendations
To help students succeed in programs with remote learning requirements, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified minimum technology recommendations. While these are not program requirements, these suggestions will help ensure students have the right tools to support a quality remote learning experience.
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Career Options
WHAT YOU COULD BE:
- Victim services advocate
- Victim witness assistance worker
- Police officer
- Social worker
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Program Details
In just eight months, this program will give individuals the specialized knowledge and skills in victimology required to provide a variety of services to victims/survivors and their families.
You will focus on:
- Various types of crimes (e.g. physical and sexual abuse, human trafficking and intimate partner violence.)
- Identifying and assessing the needs of victims and providing strategies for healing
- Designing and delivering victim service education to professionals and members of the community
- Relationships between victims/survivors and offenders within the criminal justice system.
As a graduate of this program, you will be able to advocate for victims of crime within the criminal justice and other systems; assess and refer victims to appropriate services; and be part of a risk assessment team for individuals, families and groups.
You will complete a field placement in victim services that enables you to work with corporate and community service agencies to gain an in-depth understanding of the opportunities available upon graduation.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Assess individuals, families and groups for the risk and experience of victimization.
- Advocate for victims of crime within the criminal justice and other systems.
- Plan, implement and evaluate interventions aimed at prevention and healing for victims of crime.
- Assess and refer victims of crime to appropriate services.
- Design and deliver victim service education to other professionals and members of the community.
- Collaborate with service agencies to plan, deliver and evaluate victim service programs and initiatives.
- Identify, analyze and apply current research and theory to victim services.
- Assess the personal impact of delivering victim services and employ self care strategies.
- Design and evaluate a training plan for personal and professional development in victim services.
Admission Requirements
- Related diploma or degree
- Proof of English language proficiency required
OR
- A minimum of three years of related industry experience detailed in a professional resumé with a letter of intent may be considered.
- Proof of English language proficiency required
Applicants whose first language is not English or who are internationally educated in a non‐English speaking country must meet Durham College’s English Language Proficiency Policy.
POST-ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
- Current Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation CPR (Level C) certificate
- Current and clear Criminal Background Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening
- Current, standard first aid certificate
- Entry immunization form completed by a health-care provider
Courses
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyCampus.
Semester 1
- Impact Of Crime (CRIM 1305)
- Diversity And Victimology I: Indigenous Peoples (DIVS 1300)
- Community Partnerships I (FWK 1313)
- Victimology: Assessment And Intervention (INTR 1300)
- Violence Against Women: Assessment And Intervention (INTR 1303)
- Reflection, Self Care & Professional Practice In Victims' Services (REFL 2300)
- Research & Grant/Proposal Writing (RESR 1303)
- Victimization: Legal Perspectives (VCTM 1300)
Semester 2
- Diversity And Victimology II: Understanding Populations (DIVS 2300)
- Community Partnerships II (FWK 2313)
- Victimology: Theory & Practice (THEO 1301)
- Victim Assistance Strategies (VASS 2300)
- Victimology And Children (VCHD 2300)
- Victimology And The Elderly (VELD 2300)
- Victimology And Men (VMEN 1300)
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2020-21 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes. Students should refer to their timetable for the most up-to-date course information.
Costs
Post Admission and Field Placement Documentation
In order to maintain confidentiality and security, the program utilizes an independent provider, Verified by Synergy Gateway (
Synergy) for documentation collection and validation. There is a cost associated with this external agency of $49.95. You will receive information on how to access the service once you have completed the registration.
Career Options
WHAT YOU COULD BE:
- Victim services advocate
- Victim witness assistance worker
- Police officer
- Social worker
WHERE YOU COULD WORK:
- Police and criminal justice system
- Social/community services
- Social work
- Victim crisis services
- Addictions services
- Child and youth protection, probation and parole
- Community service agencies
- Correctional facilities
- Criminology
- Law and advocacy
-
Field Placement
The field placement element is an important component of the second semester of the Victim Justice and Interventions graduate certificate program. Victim Justice and Interventions students complete 176 hours of field placement. Field placements provide students with direct supervised experience in the field while they are still engaged in academic studies.
Eligibility
Students will work with the Field Placement Officer to secure their field placement position. Before confirming field placement, students are required to check with their Field Placement Officer to ensure it meets the requirements for field placement and that they have the necessary paperwork submitted before commencing.
Field Placement Documentation
In order to maintain confidentiality and security, the program utilizes an independent provider, Verified by Synergy Gateway for field placement documentation collection and validation. This process is the Electronic Student Permit Checking (ESPC). There is a cost associated with this external agency of $49.95. Please refer to the for details.
Contact
For more information contact Stephanie Tufts-Ellis, Student Advisor/Placement Officer.
Technology Recommendations
To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
Processor: i3
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1
Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version)
Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter
Camera: Webcam/built-in camera
Internet connection
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk or the school office.
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