In this comprehensive 40-hour training program on domestic violence intervention, participants embark on a multifaceted exploration of the intricacies surrounding this pervasive issue. Participants will gain a nuanced understanding of the roots and context of domestic violence. Attendees will delve into best practices for direct client services, suicide intervention, assessment and safety planning, the impact on children and youth, cultural responsiveness, legal issues, referrals, resources and more. 
 
The 40-hour training was developed over the course of 2023 by the Hope Team, including the University of Nevada, Reno graduate students and the Las Vegas Extension team. After seeing the need in Nevada for a comprehensive training for advocates, the team began talking with other organizations and agencies, doing extensive research, and learning the needs of the diverse population in the domestic violence and intimate partner violence victim survivor community. Topics consistently addressed, like the needs in the diverse populations and the burnout faced by advocates, helped inform the topics covered in the training. With over 15 modules, video content from the board and other guests on their areas of expertise and information backed by research, this training covers topics that will set any advocate up for success.  
 
The advisory board, mentioned above, participated in ensuring content material was up to date, accurate and represented best practices currently in use. The advisory board consists of eight members from seven different community-based prevention programs, agencies and initiatives.  
 
This training is in the process of being peer reviewed and credentialed for continuing education credits.

Upcoming 2024 40-Hour Hope Advocacy Training Dates

If you are interested in bringing this training to your team, contact the Hope Team at HopeTeam@unr.edu.  
 
Scholarships are available upon request.

You'll learn how to create a safe and supportive environment for your family, where everyone feels valued and respected. You'll also gain practical tips on how to maintain a healthy family dynamic, even in the face of challenges and conflicts. 
 
This is a family-friendly event, and we encourage children ages 5 and over to participate. There won't be childcare onsite, but we've designed the workshop to be fun and engaging for the whole family. By the end of the course, you'll have the skills and knowledge to create a strong, happy, and connected family that can weather any storm.

Victims of one episode of strangulation are 750% more likely to become a victim of homicide at the hands of the same partner than a woman who is assaulted but not strangled. With domestic violence homicides in Nevada on the rise, this important four-hour workshop helped law enforcement, emergency room staff, prosecutors and advocates become a potent line of defense to support survivors who are most at risk.

COURSE DESCRIPTION 
Gael Strack, one of the leading specialized experts in the identification, investigation and documentation of strangulation in intimate partner violence cases, covered the following:

• Findings from a study of 300 misdemeanor strangulation cases
• Understanding the lethality of strangulation
• Identifying the signs and symptoms of strangulation cases
• Anatomy and medical aspects in surviving and non-surviving victims
• Investigating and documenting a domestic violence and sexual assault strangulation case for prosecution
• Legal aspects of strangulation cases with surviving victims
• Tools and resources for advocates
• Resources and handouts developed by the Institute
• Use of experts in court 

Payne explored how the Lethality Assessment Program, a program developed by the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence based on the research of Jacquelyn Campbell, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, effectively assesses the risk of lethality in domestic violence victims. The program is designed to not only evaluate the risk but also to ensure immediate referrals to social services, thus providing a crucial lifeline to those in danger. The program’s widespread use by police departments underscores its importance in addressing intimate partner violence. 
 
Also, Payne shed light on the Danger Assessment for Law Enforcement, a tool specifically tailored for law enforcement officers. It offers a quick, evidence-based assessment to identify those at the highest risk of intimate partner homicide and near-lethal assault. This assessment’s approach integrates a coordinated response from law enforcement and domestic violence advocates, aiming to connect high-risk victims with support services and provide critical information for court proceedings. Its considerable predictive validity, without significant disparities across different racial and ethnic groups, makes it a reliable tool in the fight against domestic violence. The Danger Assessment for Law Enforcement is being adopted across Nevada. 
 
Through Payne's insights, listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how these tools contribute to a more nuanced understanding of domestic violence situations. By guiding law enforcement in making informed decisions, Danger Assessment for Law Enforcement and Lethality Assessment Program are instrumental in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals involved in these complex and dangerous scenarios.

The main provisions of Piqui's Law include mandating judges to undergo training on domestic violence and child abuse, which is crucial for them to recognize patterns of abuse, understand the dynamics of custody cases involving domestic violence, and prioritize child safety in custody proceedings. The law prohibits judges from ordering "family reunification" programs and services, including camps, workshops and "therapeutic vacations" that are designed to address "parental alienation." These programs have been controversial and are now considered harmful, especially when they forcibly remove children from a safe, non-violent parent and place them with an abusive one. 
 
This legislation comes after data showed that, since 2008, over 960 children in the U.S. have been killed by a parent during divorce, separation or custody disputes. The law is seen as a bittersweet victory for Piqui’s mother, Ana Estevez, who has been tirelessly advocating for changes in the family court system since her son's death. Estevez's situation was particularly heart-wrenching, as she had warned officials about her estranged husband's abusive behavior, had filed a restraining order and had pleaded for supervised visitation. Despite her efforts, the court allowed Andressian Sr. extended visits and the authority to take Piqui on a vacation, which led to the tragic outcome. 
 
Piqui's Law is expected to bring about significant changes in the family court system in California, particularly in how judges handle custody cases involving allegations of abuse, by equipping them with better training and understanding of domestic violence and child abuse. The law is seen as a step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of children involved in custody disputes.

A worrying trend observed in family courts is the dismissal of domestic violence and abuse history, sometimes under the guise of "parental alienation." This approach not only disregards credible accusations of abuse but also risks re-victimizing the victims.  
 
Parental Alienation Syndrome is a discredited theory proposed by psychiatrist Dr. Richard Gardner. It suggested that a child's aversion to one parent in custody disputes was primarily due to the other parent's manipulation, described as "brainwashing." This theory has been debunked due to its lack of scientific validity and legal admissibility. Criticisms of parental alienation syndrome are rooted in the fact that it has not been recognized by major medical or professional associations, including the American Psychiatric Association, and is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.  
 
Dr. Gardner's views, particularly his controversial stance on adult-child sexual relationships, have further discredited the theory. As a result, parental alienation syndrome is widely regarded as flawed and potentially harmful, especially in its application within family court proceedings, where it has been used to discredit allegations of abuse. 
 
Alsalem's report, which involved over a thousand submissions primarily from fathers' organizations and various global regions, emphasizes the need for states and stakeholders to address this serious issue, proposing specific recommendations for reform, including prioritizing the child’s best interests with laws like Kayden’s Law and Piqui’s Law shared above. Another recommendation for reform is educating legal and mental health professionals. This is another reason the Hope Team is so excited about offering the 40-hour Hope Advocacy Training to professionals in these and many other industries. The contributions, including those from international organizations, non-government organizations, academia and victims, underscore the widespread impact of this systemic problem in child custody adjudications.