Essential Training for Effective Incorporation of Victim Services

Law enforcement-based victim services can highlight personnel differences in ethical approaches and decision-making around shared responsibilities. Comprehensive and ongoing training can amplify agency personnel’s confidence when carrying out assigned responsibilities and collaborative working relationships. Cross-training between disciplines, information on successful agency personnel and processes, and preparation for core responsibilities are essential training topics.

Information from this webinar can help participants identify training opportunities for the following:

Agency personnel
Victim services personnel and their supervisors

Speaker and Presenter Information

Amy Durall is currently a Fellow with the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). The fellowship centers on law enforcement response to victims and law enforcement-based victim services.

Prior to joining OVC, Amy served as a Senior Project Manager with the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Her portfolio included contributions to the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, Enhancing Law Enforcement Response to Victims, Law Enforcement-Based Victim Services, Documenting and Advancing Promising Practices in Law Enforcement Victim Support, and Research and Evaluation of Victims of Crime.

Amy has served as a Victim Services Director for two separate law enforcement agencies with both agencies receiving national recognition for victim services during her tenure. She has also served on local and national committees focused on multidisciplinary and collaborative responses to victims. To augment this direct practice experience, Amy founded Integrity Institute LLC to advance the prioritized focus on the rights, responses, and resources for individuals impacted by crime and crisis circumstances. She has served as a consultant on projects aimed at criminal justice system intersections and enhanced victim response and as a key member of assessment teams for law enforcement agencies exploring response to violent crime and engagement of crime victims with the justice system.

Amy has enjoyed over 35 years of social service experience with a variety of populations including youths and adults with developmental, emotional, and cognitive disorders, adults with mental health disorders, incarcerated adults, protective services for children and adults, and those who have experienced physical violence, sexual violence, criminal victimization, and crisis circumstances. Amy holds a master's degree in psychology and was accepted into the Psi Chi Honor Society. She has received specialized certification in the instruction of Victimology, Grantsmanship Essentials, and Crisis Intervention Training and routinely provides consultation and training to law enforcement personnel, community service organizations, and allied partners of multiple disciplines. You can learn more about Amy and her work at the Integrity Institute.

Caroline Huffaker is a Senior Victim Services Specialist in RTI's Center for Public Safety Resilience, within the Victimization and Response Program. Ms. Huffaker has program implementation experience through the use of community partnerships, policy development, and direct service provision, with a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary and collaborative work. She has a successful track record in developing new programs and expanding existing services within government agencies and non-profits. She is also experienced in providing ongoing technical assistance and consultation on the intersection between public safety and victim advocacy throughout the United States.

Caroline holds a bachelor's degree from Berry College, a master's degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from UT-Chattanooga, and a master's degree in public safety from the University of Virginia.