training institute

The Alliance’s signature training program Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Training Institute (SAFETI) is the largest New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH)-certified training program for licensed emergency department and medical professionals in New York State. SAFETI is a training program based in New York City that is open to all licensed doctors, registered nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. The SAFE Training Institute trains staff of organizations aiming to improve their services for survivors of sexual assault. We are the only organization to offer a pediatrics course in NYC. The Alliance also develops and provides tailored trainings for a variety of human service organizations who wish to address the issue of sexual violence.

Examples of requested trainings:

• Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care
• The Neurobiology of Trauma
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Sexual Violence and Acute Care Treatment

January Mock Trial Simulation Course
This course, to be held January 30th, prepares Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners for providing expert testimony in criminal court. Using a combination of information and a presentation of fact pattern, participants will learn about the process of testifying in court. There will be an opportunity to practice skills during training.

Become a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner: March 40-Hour Adult/ Adolescent Course

The objectives of this course address the development of skillful assessment techniques, thorough understanding of the dynamics of rape and intimate partner violence and the mechanics of injury which provide a solid foundation for working with survivors. Although the curriculum prioritizes the importance of the victim’s treatment and recovery, it also recognizes the importance of evidence collection, objective documentation and the need to provide testimony based on professional experience. This course combines the knowledge and expertise of a nationally and internationally recognized faculty with a variety of educational methods to give participants the maximum opportunity for professional growth in this advanced practice role.

The Alliance’s trainings and technical assistance initiative support the efforts of rape crisis programs, practitioners, schools, community organizations and non-traditional partners, including bars, nightlife establishments, transportation services, in sexual violence prevention and response. Having served as a formal  New York State Center of Excellence in Sexual Assault Prevention (COEs), we use a well-formed technical assistance methodology and have the successful track record required to guide thoughtful prevention programs in multiple settings.   Our Training and Technical Assistance staff works closely with programs on an individual level to provide customized training,  policy and programming advice, needs assessments, and educational opportunities. We also work regionally and at state level to increase the representation of the needs and rights of survivors, the programs that serve them, and the communities most affected by sexual violence through technical assistance, training and advocacy.   We provide educational resources, such as toolkits and webinars, designed to increase skills and knowledge of survivors, providers, policymakers and the general public about trends and needs related to innovative programs and best practices in sexual violence prevention and response.

Examples of requested training topics:

• Consent
• Sexual Violence Prevention on College Campuses
• Bystander Engagement
• Preventing Sexual Violence in Nightlife Spaces
• Engaging Men in Sexual Violence Prevention

OutSmartNYC began in 2008 as a multi-disciplinary citywide effort and has evolved into a grassroots collective of hospitality operators, staff, patrons, and educators, organizing to prevent and end sexual violence in New York City’s nightlife industry. The goal is to combat sexual violence in nightlife spaces and promote a fun, sex-positive nightlife culture where both patrons and staff of any establishment feel safe to connect in positive, exciting and healthy ways. A dedicated membership of nightlife staff, stakeholders and advocates work tirelessly to accomplish this goal through community outreach and engagement, membership recruitment, and training nightlife establishments across NYC. Members of this initiative include The Alliance, Crime Victims Treatment Center, and Mount Sinai Beth Israel.

OutSmartNYC’s goals are to:

• Promote coalition building
• Provide community education
• Participate in policy education and change

To learn more about OutSmartNYC and to request a training, visit the OutSmartNYC website and scroll down:

The Alliance’s prevention and community mobilization programs encompass the work we do to develop sustainable community-based interventions to prevent sexual violence. This includes building the capacity of individuals, organizations, and institutions to analyze the impact of sexual violence and providing them with the skills to develop interventions that best fit the needs of their community.

The Alliance was among the organizations whose voices informed the writing and passage of New York State’s Enough is Enough legislation, which provides guidelines to institutions of higher education statewide in their treatment of the problem of sexual violence. As a part of this effort, the Alliance launched the Campus Training Institute (CTI), a training program designed to meet the requirements of critical federal and state legislations while helping colleges and universities address sexual violence among students, staff and faculty from an intersectional and trauma-informed perspective.We assist schools with their onboarding and ongoing educational training efforts on a wide range of topics including the causes and effects of sexual violence, consent, and bystander engagement.

Examples of requested trainings:

• Title IX Coordinator Training
• Causes and Effects of Sexual Violence
• Bystander Intervention
• Engaging Greek Life and Athletics
• Sex, Sexuality, and Consent Communication

Our Training Coordinator, Crystal Ward, is offering 3 new trainings! If you’re interested in having Crystal train your organization or program, contact her at crystal@svfreenyc.org.

• Elder Sexual Abuse:

This training defines and gives examples of domestic and institutional Elder Sexual Abuse.  It covers the physical and psychological effects, forensic markings, who the offenders are, the offender’s approaches, and relevant statistics regarding Elder Sexual Abuse.

• Understanding and Effectively Communicating with Survivors of Trauma (Legal):

The training covers topic such as what is trauma, the effects of trauma, how to be trauma informed, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, burnout, how to maintain professional boundaries and the importance of self-care.  It trains law firms and legal personnel on how to be trauma informed, trauma responsive, trauma sensitive and trauma aware.

• Understanding and Effectively Communicating with Survivors of Trauma (CBO):

The training covers topic such as what is trauma, the effects of trauma, how to be trauma informed, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, burnout, how to maintain professional boundaries and the importance of self-care.  It trains community-based organizations on how to be trauma informed, trauma responsive, trauma sensitive and trauma aware.

Interested in a specialized training tailored to the needs of your organization or community? Complete the training request form, below, with detailed information and we will respond to your request quickly!