Professional Development
We provide training, support or technical assistance, and professional development opportunities throughout Texas on sexual violence, organizational management and learning, and related topics for advocates, counselors, law enforcement, prosecutors, prevention workers, community organizations, and the general public.
We can provide one-on-one support with advocates as they support survivors, crisis centers, and community-based organizations. Support, workshops, and training are free and available for organizations working to end sexual violence as staff resources allow. Below please find more information and a link to the request form.
To schedule a training, please fill out this form, giving as much detailed information as possible.
For information on training, please contact our training director, at trainings@taasa.org.
*For Sexual Assault Program Support, please visit advocacy support.
*SAPCS-Federal RPE grant recipients please visit RPE Funded Program.
TAASA provides subject matter expertise and training on a variety of topics related to sexual violence and programmatic survivor-centered services. Below are general topic areas to serve as a guide.
Organizational Management/Leadership
Support and/or training specifically geared towards building operations infrastructure and sexual assault operational framework within dual agencies, and cultivating financially sound, trauma-informed, data-informed workplaces. Topics within this category include but are not limited to: grant management and compliance (federal and state), board support and training, organizational management and strategy, sexual assault operations framework, language accessibility, and language justice within sexual assault programs, program evaluation, databases and data management, strategic planning, strategizing for minimum standards compliance, strategic planning, wellness and care, and understanding sexual assault training program (SATP) certification requirements.
Addressing Sexual Violence in Communities
Topics within this category include but are not limited to dynamics of sexual assault, human trafficking, military-connected survivors, working with male survivors of sexual assault.
Sexual Assault Advocacy Practices and Program Standards
Support and training specifically geared towards recommended practices and state requirements for advocates and other staff members that support adult survivors of sexual assault at sexual assault programs. Topics within this category include, but are not limited to: Minimum service standards for hotlines, crisis intervention, advocacy, hospital and legal accompaniment, and education, trauma-informed advocacy, confidentiality and privilege, Sexual Assault Training Program (SATP)/Core Advocate Training topics, and advanced advocacy/direct service (ex. advocacy debriefing, self-care and wellness, and Crime Victims’ Rights).
Prevention, Education, and Outreach
Support and training pertaining to preventing sexual violence, providing community education and successful community outreach. Topics within this category include but are not limited to: Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) funded prevention programming, sexual violence prevention (non-RPE funded work), Building Healthy Relationships curriculum for youth, youth leadership, communications and social media campaigns, and community engagement and organizing.
Systems Response and Policy Work
Topics within this category include but are not limited to: civil/legal remedies for survivors, criminal justice, legislative updates, Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Training, Title IX for K-12 and Higher Education, trauma-informed investigations, and state and federal policy.
Visit our YouTube Channel to access our library of recorded webinars and training.
TAASA offers specialized training for law enforcement officers who respond to and investigate adult sexual assault. Our trainers are former law enforcement officers with extensive experience in this field, ensuring that attendees acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to handle the complexity of sexual assault cases.
Our training is designed to achieve two main objectives. First, to increase awareness among investigators of the dynamics and nuances of sexual assault, including the role of bias in investigations and its impact on survivors. Second, to enhance officers' understanding of the psychological and emotional trauma that survivors of sexual assault often experience.
Our ultimate goal is to provide effective training that can improve the outcomes of sexual assault investigations and prosecutions, as well as the well-being of survivors. We offer these trainings at no cost, but do require a short pre-meeting to confirm the agenda and the location and date of the training.
If you're interested in attending our trainings or learning more about our programs, please contact us directly at le@taasa.org.
Texas Sexual Assault Advocacy Training and TCAT
Texas has specific laws that protect a survivor's right to an advocate. These laws help ensure survivors of sexual assault receive the level of care they are entitled to when seeking support from advocates at sexual assault programs.
How do the laws relate to advocacy and Sexual Assault Programs?
Employees and volunteers that provide advocacy and other support services at Sexual Assault Programs* are required to complete an OAG certified Sexual Assault Training Program (SATP) so that survivors receive consistent support that is relevant to their needs. The current SATP requirements can be found here.
The Texas Core Advocacy Training (TCAT) is an online course that was created to provide new staff and volunteers from Sexual Assault Programs with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to begin providing advocacy and support to survivors of sexual violence.
Why is this important?
TCAT meets the classroom portion of the Sexual Assault Training Program (SATP) curriculum requirements established by the Texas Office of the Attorney General.
Helps standardized the level of training advocates receive throughout the state
Increases capacity for programs so they can dedicate more time to support advocates in developing knowledge and skills specific to the needs of their community.
Provides a network of support for advocates across the state by providing a virtual platform to connect, learn, and grow.
TCAT is currently still in development, but will soon be available to programs that:
Meet the OAG SATP Certification Requirements OR are able to work with TAASA to meet missing requirements; AND
Have successfully completed TAASA’s TCAT registration and orientation process
For more information on TCAT contact: TCAT@taasa.org.