Meeting the Training Needs of Those Who Meet the Needs of Victims: Assessing Service Providers

Abstract

Despite growing awareness of crime victims’ needs for support and services, few studies have examined the training needs of those who provide such services. This research presents the results of statewide needs assessment of victims services providers (VSPs) conducted in preparation for designing a state victim assistance training academy. Respondents were asked to indicate their needs for training on various topics pertaining to victims services. Results indicate that extent of formal education and years of experience in the field are the primary determinants of reported needs for training. Respondents with less formal education and less experience in the field, regardless of the nature of their organizational position (client services vs. management), report greater needs for training. Implications for designing training programs for VSPs are discussed.