In partnership with the Office of Criminal Justice Programs (OCJP), the Sexual Assault Center provides regularly training and support for professionals working with survivors of sexual assault, including dual domestic/sexual violence programs, clinicians and counselors, law enforcement, college and university staff, and other community partners. Utilizing data and trends from the field’s most up to date research, trainings are developed to address the specific needs of your group or agency. These trainings are free of charge.
Note: Due to grant restrictions, we can only provide trainings and facilitate retreats for organizations located in the state of Tennessee.
For more information or to schedule training, please fill out the form below or contact Tia Freeman, Statewide Training Director at tfreeman@sacenter.org.
Form: Request a Training from SAC
Sexual Assault 101 (1 CEU available)
An introductory overview of sexual assault definitions, statistics, and dynamics, including information on rape culture, consent, and how to support survivors in your community.
Sexual Assault 201 (2 CEUs available)
This training offers a deeper exploration of concepts and frameworks that can be used by those providing support to survivors of sexual violence. Participants will get a better understanding of how sexual violence intersects with many other forms of trauma and experiences.
Child Sexual Abuse 101 (2 CEUs available)
In this training, participants will be equipped with introductory information about child sexual abuse (CSA), focused on statistics and prevalence; intersecting social contexts; insight on risk factors and signs; intro-level neurobiology; offender statistics and groomer dynamics; how to handle a disclosure of sexual abuse; how to legally fulfill reporting duties as a Tennessee mandatory reporter; community resourcing; and an introduction to trauma exposure response.
Child Sexual Abuse 201 (2 CEUs available)
This is a psychoeducational training focused on signs, symptoms and trauma-based reactions to CSA, including PTSD presentations; case examples; relationship building with victim-survivors; therapeutic interventions; and a brief Introduction to typical sexual development and problematic sexual behavior.
Sexual Development 0-18: Behaviors, Identity, and Trauma (2 CEUs available)
This training explores the dynamics of childhood sexual development from ages 0 – 18. We will discuss how traumatic experiences can “flip the switch” and influence sexual development resulting in experiences and behaviors that are commonly misunderstood by professionals working with survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Responding to Disclosures (no CEUs currently available)
In this training, participants will learn the basics of how to respond to disclosures of sexual assault. We will cover the basics of the neurophysiology of trauma, how to support survivors, and the importance of responding in ways that re-establish power and control for the victim/survivor.
Vicarious Trauma & Caregiver Resiliency (no CEUs currently available)
This training explores how vicarious trauma manifests in direct service support environments. We will cover topics like compassion fatigue, burnout, and boundary setting as a way to minimize the effects of trauma exposure.
Sexual Assault & The Brain: The Neurobiology of Trauma (1.5 CEUs available)
The physiological components of trauma, including neurobiology and nervous system dysregulation, are the main focus of this training. We will discuss how traumatic experiences can alter brain function, resulting in experiences and behaviors that are commonly misunderstood by professionals working with survivors of sexual assault. Participants will leave with an understanding of brain development and functioning as it relates to sexual assault as well as common, involuntary responses to sexual assault, and how to apply these concepts to increase safety and care for survivors.
Exploring Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care (1.5 CEUs available)
This training discusses the importance of self-care, particularly for those working in mental health-related fields. Participants will explore the effects of trauma exposure, and how this impacts the way we relate to and experience self-care. We will also discuss the limitations of the current mainstream concepts of self-care and offer ways to reframe self-care practices.
Continuing education units (CEUs) are offered through National Association Social Workers - Tennessee.
Available in half-day or full-day options, these retreats are geared toward individuals and teams doing direct-service work. The day is aimed at creating a space of rest, reflection, and connection in the midst of doing difficult work. Concepts of self-care, vicarious trauma, and community care are explored at a gentle pace.
Note: No CEUs currently available. Due to grant restrictions, we can only provide trainings and facilitate retreats for organizations located in the state of Tennessee.
For more information, or to schedule training for your group, please fill out the form below, or contact Tia Freeman, Statewide Training Director at tfreeman@sacenter.org.
Form: Request a Training from SAC