One of the key ways in which the cycle of violence can be broken is through knowledge about what domestic violence is, its signs and effects on the entire family, Connecticut's family violence laws, and about community resources, including the free services DVS offers. Educational services include workshops and other presentations to schools and a wide range of groups throughout the 13 towns we serve. The presentations - all of which are tailored to meet the specific needs and purposes of each organization and session - include:

• In-service presentations for healthcare providers, school professionals, the police, and mental health/substance abuse clinicians.
• Workplace violence presentations for organizations large and small explore the growing incidence of domestic violence in the workplace - its signs and effects, and ways to intervene. The presentation can be geared to managers and/or to their employees.
• Workshops for junior & senior high school students concentrate on helping students recognize the elements of healthy and unhealthy relationships in dating relationships and in friendships. Through video presentations, exercises and role plays, as well as in give and take with the community education coordinator, students learn about roles of respect, trust, managing anger, and the ways in which they may be influenced by their families, other students, and the society at large.
• Programs for elementary school students because it is never too early for youngsters to learn about healthy relationships, especially given the influences of television and popular culture. Presentations to younger children focus on non-violent conflict resolution and respect of others and self in age-appropriate language and content.
• Workshops for college and graduate students, tailored to the area of study - criminal justice, sociology, psychology, nursing, etc. - can include PowerPoint presentations, videos, overheads and literature.
• Programs for clubs, community groups, and civic organizations focus on the dynamics and scope of domestic violence as well as local resources.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a presentation,
please call Community Education Coordinator
Tracey Parks at 203.865.1957.

Domestic Violence Counselor Training

Following a required interview, all interns and volunteers who have any contact with clients or prospective clients of DVS must take part in state-mandated certification training before they begin their work. The training involves 20 hours under the supervision and instruction of a state-recognized domestic violence services program and includes both instructional and experiential training. Following the training, prospective counselors must pass written and oral exams in order to be certified. The certification is good only while the individual is an active volunteer or intern with DVS.

Fees for certification training are:

• Prospective DVS Volunteers: initial cost $150 - $100 will be refunded after the volunteer has completed 100 hours of service.
• Professionals and individuals: $150 - for those who would like to attend the training for professional or personal development but do not plan to volunteer for DVS.
• Students/interns: no fee for people who register as a student intern for academic credit. The student/intern must provide DVS with the school's requirements for internship and the advisor's name and contact information. DVS must interview all prospective students and interns at least three weeks prior to training.

Please note: DVS only recruits and schedules training on an "as needed" basis. And while certification training can significantly enhance participants' professional skills, it is neither a credential nor a degree. For more information about training, please contact Community Education Coordinator Tracey Parks at 203.865.1957 or tracey.v.parks@dvsgnh.org.