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Prevention & Education

Community Education

Prevention Education at Victim Service Center

At the Victim Service Center (VSC), we are dedicated to creating safer, healthier communities by empowering individuals through education. Our prevention education trainings are designed to meet the needs of schools, churches, organizations, and community groups of all kinds. These trainings are free of charge, can be conducted virtually or in person, and are tailored to suit your group’s unique needs.

Whether you’re looking to increase awareness, reduce risks, or foster a culture of support and safety, our evidence-based trainings provide the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact. By hosting one of our prevention trainings, you’re taking an active role in creating an informed and empowered community that stands against violence and supports survivors.

Who Our Prevention Education Is For

The Victim Service Center’s prevention program focuses on both youth (K-College) and at-risk populations, such as LGBTQ, Spanish-speaking, and the homeless. The prevention program promotes social norms and teaches skills that reduce factors that place individuals at risk for perpetrating violence and promote factors that protect individuals at risk for violence. Our training is for (but not limited to): Professionals, First Responders, Workplaces, Organizations and Schools.

  • 1 in 9 girls and 1 in 53 boys under the age of 18 experience sexual abuse or assault
  • Among cases of sexual abuses reported to law enforcement, 93% knew their perpetrator
  • Knowledge is the key to prevention, and VSC has a broad range of prevention trainings focused on youth and families.
  • It is reported that a majority of college students don’t report their sexual assaults at the time, however through prevention education we can be an encouraging voice that can prevent crime before it happens and provide support to those who have experienced it.

Prevalence rates of rape of women by race in the United States:

  • Asian/Pacific Islander: 6.8%
  • Hispanic/Latina: 11.9%
  • White:17.7%
  • Black: 18.8%
  • American Indian/Alaska Native: 34.1%
  • Mixed Race: 24.4%

American Indian Community:

  • American Indians ages 12 and older experience 5,900 sexual assaults per year – this is an average based on reported incidents
    • They are twice as likely to experience a rape/sexual assault compared to all races
    • 41% of sexual assaults are committed by a stranger; 34% by an acquaintance; and 25% by an intimate or family member

Sexual Violence in Asian and Pacific Islander Communities:

  • Of Asian and Pacific Islander women –
    • 23% experienced some form of contact sexual violence
    • 10% experienced completed or attempted rape
    • 21% had non-contact unwanted sexual experiences during their lifetime
  • Of Asian and Pacific Islander men-
    • 9% experienced some form of contact sexual violence
    • 9% had non-contact unwanted sexual experiences during their lifetime

Black Women: 

  • 35% of Black women experienced some form of contact sexual violence during their lifetime
  • 40-60% of Black women report being subjected to coercive sexual contact by age 18
  • 40% of confirmed sex trafficking survivors in the U.S. are Black
  • African American girls and women 12 years and older experienced higher rates of rape and sexual assault than White, Asian, and Latina girls and women from 2005-2010

Elder Abuse: 

  • Women are 6 times more likely to be victims of sexual assault as an elder
  • Only 30% of elder abuse(those over the age of 65) victims report their abuse
  • 83% of elder abuse victims live in residential facilities
  • 80% of the time the abuse was done by the elder’s caregiver
  • 76% of the time this abuse was witnessed by someone else

What is PREA? The Prison Rape Elimination Act was passed in 2003 to create standards to eliminate rape within prisons while providing access to rape crisis care.

Prison Sexual Assault Risks: 

  • In 2015 there were reports of  24,661 allegations of sexual victimization in prisons and jails
  • 58% involved sexual victimization by staff toward inmates,  42% involved sexual victimization by inmates towards other inmates
  • Allegations in prisons increased from 6,660 in 2011 to 18,666 in 2015, an increase of 180%

Service Members: 

  • In 2018 6.2% of active duty women in the military reported being sexually assaulted, and 0.7% of the men – given the amounts of active duty members at that time this means about 13,000 women and 7,500 men experienced some form of unwanted sexual contact in 2018 while serving in the military
  • Disciplinary action was taken in 65% of cases reported in 2018

Informative & Effective Trainings

Why Choose Victim Service Center Trainings?

Our trainings are not just informative—they’re transformative. Groups that participate in our programs leave with:

When you choose VSC, you choose a partner committed to helping your community grow stronger and safer.

Victim Service Center

Trainings Offered

We offer a variety of trainings on topics like sexual assault awareness, stalking prevention, healthy relationships, and more. Each class is designed to engage participants with interactive activities, real-world scenarios, and expert guidance.
On-Demand Courses

Explore our on-demand trainings, learn at your own pace and in your own space. Stay tuned for upcoming online courses from VSC!

In-Person Trainings

Schedule an in-person training from VSC staff to answer questions and make an all-around enjoyable learning atmosphere.

Virtual Trainings

Have our staff present via Zoom to your organization. This is an ideal option for large groups and organizations.

VSC Training Catalog

VSC Overview (Learn About Our Mission, Services, and Outreach)

Duration: 1 hour

This session provides an introduction to the Victim Service Center, including our trauma-informed approach to supporting survivors. Participants will gain insight into the scope of sexual violence through statistics and learn how VSC’s comprehensive services address the needs of victims and their loved ones. The training emphasizes the importance of understanding trauma responses and the role of community collaboration in prevention and healing.

Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention for Professionals

Duration: 1 hour

This training equips professionals with the knowledge and tools to support survivors of sexual assault. Participants will learn to define and recognize sexual violence, understand its cultural and systemic roots, and identify warning signs. The training also covers trauma reactions, safety planning, and the steps to healing for both primary and secondary victims.

Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention for Students

Duration: 1 hour

This training equips students with the knowledge and tools to recognize and prevent sexual assault. Participants will learn to define and recognize sexual violence, understand its cultural and systemic roots, and identify warning signs. The training also covers trauma reactions, consent, and tips for active bystander intervention.

Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention for First Responders

Duration: 1 hour

Tailored for first responders, this training emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed practices when working with survivors. Participants will review sexual assault statistics, explore how rape culture and gender bias impact case handling, and learn about the “Start by Believing” approach. The session also includes strategies for crisis response and an overview of VSC’s referral services.

Healthy Relationships Overview

Duration: 1 hour

This training introduces participants to the foundations of healthy relationships. Using interactive scenarios, participants will explore the differences between healthy, unhealthy, and abusive relationships. The session also highlights communication strategies, boundary-setting, and ways to support peers in challenging situations.

Foundations of Healthy Relationships

Duration: 1 hour

Participants will delve deeper into the dynamics of strong relationships, focusing on the "love bucket," the 8 universal needs of individuals, and the core elements of healthy relationships. The session provides actionable strategies for cultivating trust, respect, and mutual understanding.

Boundaries and Consent

Duration: 1 hour

This training provides a comprehensive exploration of boundaries and consent, featuring the “Consent FRIES” model (Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, Specific). Participants will practice real-life scenarios to enhance their understanding and application of these concepts in personal and professional contexts.

Abusive Relationships and Dating Dangers

Duration: 1 hour

Participants will learn to recognize the signs of abusive relationships and understand the tactics used by abusers to gain power and control. The session also addresses the reasons victims may stay in abusive relationships and offers strategies for providing support and accessing community resources.

How Gender Bias Leads to Gender Violence

Duration: 1 hour

This thought-provoking session examines the societal biases that contribute to gender-based violence. Participants will explore how oppressive belief systems—such as sexism, racism, and homophobia—perpetuate violence against women and marginalized groups. The training includes real stories, statistics, and strategies for creating a more equitable culture.

Be the Hero: Active Bystander Intervention

Duration: 1 hour

This training empowers participants to act as active bystanders in situations involving potential harm. Attendees will distinguish between active and passive bystanders, learn intervention techniques, and practice safe ways to intervene. The session also explores cultural factors that normalize victimization and highlights the importance of fostering accountability.

Assisting Patients in the ER Who Have Been Victimized

Duration: 1 hour

Aimed at healthcare providers, this session focuses on trauma-informed care for victims of violence in emergency settings. Participants will learn how to approach patients with compassion, provide immediate support, and connect them to specialized services, including those offered by VSC.

Bullying and Cyberbullying

Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of bullying and its digital counterpart, including their impacts on individuals and communities. The session covers the motivations behind bullying, the role of bystanders, the link between bullying and mental health challenges, and actionable strategies for prevention.

Stalking and Cyberstalking

Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour

This training defines stalking and cyberstalking, explores the behaviors and motivations of stalkers, and provides risk-reduction strategies. Participants will also learn how to support victims and access legal and community resources.

Senior Safety

Duration: 1 hour

This session addresses the unique safety concerns faced by older adults. Participants will learn to recognize the signs of elder abuse and strategies to prevent it, including reducing risks of financial exploitation, identity theft, and home invasion. Caregivers and seniors will leave equipped with actionable steps and resource connections.

Human Trafficking

Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour

This training provides an in-depth understanding of human trafficking, including its forms, warning signs, and the role of trauma-informed care. Participants will learn about legal frameworks, prevention strategies, and the importance of multi-agency collaboration to combat trafficking.

Sexual Harassment Prevention

Duration: 1 hour

This session equips participants to recognize and prevent sexual harassment in various settings. Topics include understanding power dynamics, fostering respectful interactions, and implementing strategies to create safer workplaces and communities.

For Specialized Needs

Customizable Presentations

Don’t see exactly what you’re looking for? We’re here to help. With enough notice, our team can adjust existing presentations or create new ones tailored to the specific needs of your group. Whether it’s focusing on a particular issue or addressing unique challenges, we’ll work with you to ensure your audience gets the most out of their experience.

With sufficient notice, VSC can create tailored presentations to meet specific needs. Examples include:

Get Started Today!

Ready to make a difference in your community? Contact us today to learn more about scheduling a prevention education training for your group. Together, we can create a future free from violence and full of support.

See Where VSC Has Presented