The South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault and the Planning Committee for the SD Victim Assistance Academy are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Basic SD Victim Assistance Academy. The Basic Academy will be held April 13th-17th in Pierre at the Community Room of the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce. Click here for the tentative agenda which is subject to change. Please note that if you apply and are accepted to attend, you are expected to attend the entire academy.
A limit of 30 participants will be selected to attend. The Basic SDVAA will provide a 40 hour comprehensive, academic, interdisciplinary and interactive training program for crime victim service providers, advocates, allied professionals and others who work with crime victims. Participants will be entry level professionals with 0-5 years of experience in their respective field, however those with more than 5 years of experience are welcome to apply. A comprehensive curriculum using adult learning theory will be utilized by instructors. The Basic Academy curriculum meets the requirements for the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP) through the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA).
To apply, please click on this link: https://sdnafvsa.coalitionmanager.org/formmanager/formsubmission/create?formId=24 The deadline to apply is January 30, 2026. Participants will be notified of acceptance by February 6, 2026. Please note that this is an application and NOT a registration.
