IPVA

Intimate Partner Violence Advocate (IPVA) Certification Program

What is IPVA?

Domestic violence and dating abuse are local and national epidemics.
IPVA is a valuable, in-depth, professional development series for those on the front lines.
Participants emerge significantly enhancing their knowledge and skills in working with victims of IPV.

If you're a social worker, LPC, advocate, social service or healthcare professional, it's likely that you will encounter a victim of IPV.

Do you know how to respond?
Are you aware of the risk factors?
Do you know how to safety plan?
Are you aware of resources for support?

In IPVA, you will acquire the practical tools and essential information you need to provide safe and effective support to victims.

Since 2009, 450+ professionals have attended with 100% reporting on confidential evaluations that they would recommend IPVA to colleagues.

How can you receive an IPVA Certification?

The Intimate Partner Violence Advocate (IPVA) Certification Program is a unique educational opportunity to increase your knowledge and to enhance your intervention skills with victims of all ages.

IPVA consists of five workshops. Objectives for each class are outlined below. Professional credits are available!

IPVA Webinars

$89 per class or $399 for all five in the series.

All classes provided via Zoom
Time for all classes: 9:30am to 1:30pm

2025 Dates TBA - stay tuned!

Full IPVA Certification Bundle

TBA: DV 101
TBA: DV 102: Understanding the Victim
TBA: Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
TBA: Teen Dating Abuse
TBA: DV 103: Advocacy & Community Response

, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

Domestic Violence (DV)"101"

Social Workers and LPC's: 4 non-clinical credits

Identify and define all types of abuse and the dynamics of power and control
Identify the risk factors associated with leaving an abuser
Identify safe and effective intervention strategies to support victims and their families
Identify components of a safety plan and resources for support

, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

DV 102: Understanding the Victim

Social Worker and LPC's: 3.5 clinical credits and .5 social/cultural competence credits

Define the emotional and behavior impact of abuse on victim and their family, friends and co-workers
Identify barriers that prevent victims from leaving and the dangers associated with leaving the abuser
Learn how culture, religion, community, race, age, gender, ability or sexual orientation impacts a victim's decisions and options
Define the meaning of empowerment to a victim
Identify essential information that victims will need so they can identify their options and make informed decisions

, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

Effects of Domestic Violence on Children

Social Workers and LPC's: 4 non-clinical credits

Define the effects of witnessing domestic violence on children from birth to age 18
Identify appropriate intervention techniques to use with the child and with the non-offending parent
Recognize behaviors of the batterer and victim as parents
Learn how to properly document incidents, develop safety plans, and identify resources for support
Develop protocol for safe and effective workplace response (at school, daycare, healthcare facility, community organization)

, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

Teen Dating Abuse

Social Workers and LPC's: 4 non-clinical credits

Define the dynamics and types of teen dating violence
Identify the warning signs that indicate a teen may be a victim or an abuser
Identify strategies to effectively identify, approach and support teens
Develop teen safety plans, identify effective prevention and awareness strategies
Identify age-appropriate resource and referral information for support

, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

DV 103: Advocacy & Community Response

This class does not offer CEU's but is needed to receive the IPVA certification

Understand the importance of cultivating a coordinated community response to victims
Identify the challenges of working within the community, legal, business, healthcare, social service, and education systems
Identify strategies that help to navigate the current system processes designed to support victims
Learn ways to play a role in your community or workplace to raise awareness and launch prevention-based activities
Note: DV101 or equivalent is pre-requisite for this class.

, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

Additional Info

Please Note: The IPVA series this spring will be completely virtual.

Cost: $89 per class, OR $399 for all five (5) in the series. Handouts will be provided. Certificates will be given after completion of each class.

Location: Zoom format - You will receive link once payment is received.

Time: All classes run from 9:30AM-1:30PM (Breaks provided)

Registration: Seats Go Fast - Registration is Required

To reserve your spot and pay by check: Email us at IPVA@APartnershipforChange.org

To register and pay by credit card, click the Registration Button for the class (or bundle) above.

Important! Please note that:

DV101 or equivalent is prerequisite for DV103.
Classes may be taken individually, but all five classes are required for the IPVA Certification.
Insights on Batterer Behavior: Addendum Class (optional). This class is offered after the IPVA series is completed.

Information on Professional Credits (Social Workers, LPC's)

Required steps for successful completion:
Attendees must complete the entire class, and the evaluation given at the end in order to receive credits.

• DV 101 (Approval # 0802316599-1A), Effects of Domestic Violence on Children (Approval # 0802316599-3A) and Teen Dating Abuse (Approval # 0802316599-4A) are approved for continuing education by the NJ Social Work Continuing Education Approval Collaborative, which is administered by NASW-NJ. CE Approval Collaborative period September 2022- August 2024. NJ social workers will receive four (4) non-clinical continuing education hours for participating in each of these courses:

• DV 102 (Approval # 0802316599-2A) is approved for continuing education by the NJ Social Work Continuing Education Approval Collaborative, which is administered by NASW-NJ. CE Approval Collaborative period September 2022-August 2024. NJ social workers will receive 3.5 clinical credits and 0.5 social/cultural competence continuing education hours for participating in this course:

The speakers have nothing to disclose; there are no conflicts of interest, sponsorship, or financial/commercial support being supplied for these activities. Workshops are based on best practices that acknowledge and respect the needs of victims from diverse populations

Testimonials

Participants have included staff from these NJ organizations:

Acenda
Burlington County Dept. of Human Services
Catholic Charities
CASA of NJ
Central Jersey Family Health Consortium (CJFHC)
Family Partners of Hudson County
Hackensack Meridian Health
NORWESCAP
Newark Board of Education
Oaks Integrated Care
Preferred Behavioral Health Group
Prevent Child Abuse NJ
SAVE of Essex

Plus:
Staff from the Camden, Somerset, and Cape May counties Prosecutor's Office
School nurses and counselors
Advocates from the State Office of Victim Witness Advocacy....and many, many more!

Comments on their evaluations included:

"No matter how aware I thought I was, you opened my eyes in a few short months and changed my life forever."

Amaranth Alleyne, Robin's Nest Community Services

This is the first training I've been to that actually shows us how to do the work.

Excellent training. It is a must!

Dr. Elizabeth Pineros, PROCEED

IPVA helped me understand the many difficulties many victims face and how it's not easy as simply walking away. It also helped me gather resources and information I can provide clients in order to assist them.

"This training significantly enhanced my confidence and capability to serve domestic violence victims and survivors."

L.Tuazon, PROCEED

"My ability to advocate for victims has greatly improved!"

The classes are phenomenal! Allison kept her audience engaged, which allowed me to fully understand each concept.

Newark Board of Education clinician