V-STEP: Cyber Victimization and Security

This two hour training defines the elements and boundaries of cyber-victimization and its patterns and how it affects victims as well as victim service professionals.

The Zoom link will be emailed to registrants from Cherie Peay at cpeay@ubalt.edu the morning of the training. Please keep an eye out for this email.

DATES & TIMES:

Thursday August 14, 2025 ~ 10AM - 12PM EST

SUMMARY:

Cybercrime (crime committed using a computer or other digital technology) has grown exponentially over the last ten years and many states did not criminalize behavior where a computer or cell phone was used to harass, intimidate, threaten or stalk others. Many cybercrimes were previously not thought to carry significant psychological or physical impact and victims were left to fend for themselves. This training is created to help you define traits associated with cybercrime and introduce you to common types of internet scams and cyber harassment. Additionally, you will lean some strategies for increasing victims’ online safety. You will also be able to identify resources to help victims cope with the emotional impact of cybercrime.

OBJECTIVES:

• Define the term cyber-victimization and examine victimization patterns.

• Examine the possible emotional, social and financial impact of cyber-crime on individuals, organizations, and society.

• Identify and analyze reasons and motivations of cyber-victimization, and patterns of future cyber-victimization.

• Describe the types of secondary issues and behavioral risks derived from cyber crimes

• Identify and analyze victim participation in the criminal justice system decision-making, victim services and restitution, and restorative justice initiatives.
  

PRESENTER: Dr. Melvin de la Cruz
Dr. Melvin de la Cruz currently teaches post-graduate courses in the Forensic Science Cyber Investigations program with the University of Baltimore. Dr. de la Cruz has over 14 years of professional experience in the criminal justice field. Employed as a federal law enforcement officer (Special Agent) for the US Department of Labor, US Department of Justice, and the US Department of Homeland Security. Also worked as a surveillance officer assigned to a sex-offender unit with the State of Arizona. BA Mathematics, MA Intelligence & Security Studies, MPA Public Administration, PhD Computational Linguistics. Areas of academic research/interest include cyber investigations, forensic linguistics, machine learning, mathematical logical language and artificial intelligence, language pathology, criminology and brain scans using (f)MRI.

Fluent in English, Spanish and Arabic. Published work includes two academic journal articles, one edited book, four technical papers, one of which became the basis for wireless telecommunications law in the USA.

Training Contact: Anne Milun, VASIII, Program Manager, 410-837-5055, alitecky@ubalt.edu; Cherie Peay, Program Coordinator at 443-600-1621, cpeay@ubalt.edu; and Nicole Feldhaus, Technician, 410-274-4655, nfeldhauslitecky@ubalt.edu

Certificate of Training, Social Work CEUs and Academic Credits:

RVAAM selected curriculum has been approved for specific professions (e.g. social work, law enforcement, corrections, probation/parole) Upon completion of an online evaluation form, participants are welcome to request a Certificate of Training; Social Work Category I Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and/or academic credits. All participants are eligible to receive a Certificate of Training (1 credit per training hour).

ROPER VICTIM ASSISTANCE ACADMEY OF MARYLAND

Victim Services Training Enhancement Program (V-STEP)…Bringing Crime Victim Training and Certification to Maryland Communities.

Victim Services Advanced Trainings (V-STEP) are held virtually and in 5 regional locations across Maryland. Roper Victim Assistance Academy of Maryland (RVAAM) provides basic training twice a year (40 hour curriculum). For more information, please contact Anne Milun, V-STEP Program Manager for information or to schedule a training for your agency or organization.