Algonquin College to Offer Nation's First College Post-graduate Certificate in Victimology
Disclaimer:
The views expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Justice Canada.
Beginning in the fall of 2010, Algonquin College will offer Canada's first College level post-graduate certificate in Victimology. It is a one-year, full-time program that will provide graduates with the knowledge and skills to help them in the field when assisting victims of crime.
"Victims can feel further victimized by the very services meant to help them. Even though the service providers are well-meaning, there are times when they may not understand the scope of the issues and, therefore, are unable to appropriately respond to their needs," says Ruth Campbell, Coordinator of the Victimology Program at Algonquin College. "In addition, many service providers have identified that they feel inadequately trained to help victims of crime. We saw a vast need in the system."
Recognizing that need, Algonquin College designed the Victimology program to teach students theories and best practices when helping victims. Students will develop an understanding of victims' rights, sudden and traumatic loss, specific victim populations, crime and its effects on victims in the criminal justice system through in-class work and a field placement.
"As a former victim, and supporter/advocate for current victims, I am very familiar with the lack of education and training that is available to those who choose to enter this profession," says Heather, a victim and supporter/advocate. "The lack of education and training to deal with what, at times, seems an impossible situation leads to extreme frustration on the part of the victim, as well as the support professional. It is imperative that education and training to deal with different victims and equally different crimes be made available to the professionals who are dealing with the victims."
Students with previous post secondary education in social work, criminology, law, psychology, counselling, nursing, sociology, social services, youth services, police foundations, early childhood education, community and justice services and those with relevant experience are prime candidates for this program.
"Very few courses address how to respond to victims of crime, yet there is such a demand for trained professionals," adds Ruth Campbell. "First contact is key to helping the victim and not causing more harm. This program will ensure our graduates are a helpful part of the healing process."
Unlike other programs, Algonquin College's Victimology Program will focus on specific groups with unique needs such as women, men, Aboriginal populations, children and the elderly, so graduates will be equipped to provide better service to all victims of crime. Specific course emphasis will also be given to issues such as childhood physical and sexual abuse, intimate partner violence and sexual assault.
Along with being a "first-of-its-kind" College program, the Victimology Certificate will also include a 'men as victims' course, which will be one of the first courses where male victimization is studied at the College level.
"We know that most victims are female, however there has been an influx in men reporting abuse and victimization, particularly historical sexual abuse," explains Ruth Campbell. "Male victims have their own unique needs that are often left unaddressed. This course will tie in the effects of male victimization with the other courses, such as childhood victimization, to give graduates of the program the confidence and tools necessary to help these victims."
A compassion fatigue course will help students learn how to prepare mentally, emotionally and physically for the job. This course is also one of the first to be taught at the College level.
All of the courses were developed in coordination with victim service providers currently in the field to ensure that course materials were relevant. In fact, the Victimology Program's advisory committee is made up of leaders in the community, experts in the field, as well as some victims of crime.
The program has received support from many local organizations such as the Ottawa Police Service, Immigrant Women Services, the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, local victims crisis centers, the Children's Aid Society and many other local services. These organizations are among some of the places where students may be placed for their practicum and work after graduation.
The Certificate in Victimology will also be offered through distance education, allowing students to take the program from all across the nation and all over the world, on a part-time basis, giving students the option of continuing their education while remaining at work.
"Everyone is very excited about and committed to the program. The need for a program like this is extremely evident," says Ruth Campbell. "People are very engaged, and we are receiving an overwhelming positive response from the community."
More information about the Victimology Program at Algonquin College can be found on the Algonquin College Official Website.
