ADV’s Training Institute for Domestic Violence
ADV is proud to offer both online and in‑person training opportunities for community advocates, professionals, and organizations seeking to deepen their understanding of domestic violence and strengthen their ability to support survivors. All trainings are developed and facilitated by experienced domestic violence practitioners, ensuring participants receive practical, trauma‑informed, and ethically grounded guidance they can apply immediately in their work.
What sets ADV’s Training Institute on Domestic Violence (TIDV) apart?
ADV’s Training Institute is built on a simple belief: advocates deserve accessible, high‑quality, and nuanced education that reflects the real complexities of survivor experiences.
Our mission is to:
- Support advocates’ professional growth with a deeper understanding of the dynamics of abuse
- Equip participants with the skills to intervene safely, ethically, and effectively
- Empower advocates to challenge the behaviors, practices, and societal attitudes that sustain violence and coercive control
- Strengthen community and systems‑level responses to domestic violence
TIDV is designed for both new and seasoned advocates who want to expand their impact and contribute to safer, more equitable communities.
40-Hour Training Program for Domestic Violence Victim Advocates
Our flagship 40‑Hour Training Program provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to begin or enhance ethical, survivor‑centered advocacy work. This program is open to all and is especially suited for individuals seeking to volunteer or work directly with survivors at agencies that require victim counselor privilege certification.
Participants receive:
- A comprehensive overview of domestic violence dynamics
- Insight into the experiences of diverse survivor populations
- Anti‑oppressive frameworks for intervention and healing
- Practical tools for crisis response, safety planning, communication, and systems navigation
Upon completing all 40 hours, participants receive a certificate endorsed by ADV.
Training Format
The program follows a cohort model that blends live virtual sessions on ZOOM with independent, self-paced learning modules. This structure offers flexibility while maintaining the connection and accountability of a shared learning environment. ADV offers multiple cohorts per year, including weekday and weekend options. Attendance at all live Zoom sessions is required to receive credit.
40-Hour Training Curriculum Topics Include:
Foundations of Survivor-Centered Advocacy
- History & Core Principles of DV Advocacy
- Fundamentals of Domestic Violence Dynamics
- Coercive Control & the
- Social Entrapment Model
- Trauma-Informed
- Approaches to Advocacy
- Ethical Practices with Survivors
Intervention & Systems-Based Advocacy
- Crisis Intervention & Safety Planning
- Abuse Recovery & Healing Work
- Civil & Criminal Law Interventions
- Abuse Intervention & Offender
- Accountability
- Systems Advocacy & Case Management
Intersections with Complex Harm
- Cyber & Technology-Facilitated Abuse
- Mental Health &
- Substance Use Coercion
- Sexual Violence & Rape Culture
- Labor & Sex Trafficking
Culturally Responsive & Inclusive Advocacy
- Cultural Humility & Inclusive Service Design
- Power, Privilege, and Equity Issues
- Advocacy with Communities of Color
- Advocacy with Immigrant & Refugee Survivors
- Advocacy with LGBTQIA+ Survivors
- Advocacy with People with Disabilities
- Advocacy with Justice-Involved Survivors
- Advocacy with Older Adults
- Advocacy with Children & Survivor Parents
- Advocacy with Adolescents & Teens
Upcoming Training Dates in 2026
Winter Weekend Intensive Track (Virtual on Zoom)
Weekend I: January 24–25, 2026
Weekend II: February 21–22, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST
Format: Weekend Only, Live virtual sessions + self‑paced modules
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Open to participants ages 16+
Participants must attend both weekends to receive a certificate of completion.
Spring Weeknight Track (Virtual on Zoom)
April 6- April 30, 2026
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM EDT
Format: 4-Week, Live virtual sessions + self‑paced modules
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Open to participants ages 16+
Participants must attend all live sessions to receive a certificate of completion.
Ready to join the next cohort? Complete our online registration form and select your track. If you have questions about the program or need assistance with registration, contact us at : ADV@bergencountynj.gov or call (201) 336-7575.
Ready to join the next cohort? Complete our online registration form and select your track. If you have questions about the program or need assistance with registration, contact us at : ADV@bergencountynj.gov or call (201) 336-7575.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Custom Workshops & Trainings for Professionals & Organizations
Our training team is available to offer in-person and online workshops that geared towards individuals and groups looking to support survivors of domestic violence in social service, mental health, law enforcement, legal, or educational settings who do not need 40-Hour victim privilege certification.
Topics have included:
- Domestic Violence 101
- Positive Bystander Intervention Skills
- Teen Dating Violence for Educators
- Screening & Crisis Response Techniques
- Survivor Advocacy in Mental Health
- Supporting Survivor Parents
- Coercive Control & Abuse Intervention
- Coordinated Community Responses to Domestic & Sexual Violence
- Digital Abuse & Tech Safety
… and much, much more!
To schedule a training or learn more information, fill out our online request form.
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