V-STEP: DE-ESCALATION: Restorative Approaches by Dave Thomas

This is a 2.5 hour training that aims to examine the connection intimate partner violence and the danger of the offenders on all.

TITLE: DE-ESCALATION: RESTORATIVE APPROACHES

DATE and TIME:

Wednesday November 12, 2025 ~ 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST

SUMMARY: The importance of having a clear understanding of de-escalation and how it can be effectively utilized to handle explosive situations cannot be understated. This training will look at the complexities of conflict and how it can potentially impact the settings that we work in. It will place a spotlight on restorative justice and how it can inform equitable and meaningful responses. And finally, it will provide 10 leading de-escalation tips that can serve as a basis for de-escalating and dealing with conflict.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Strengthen capacity to effectively de-escalate potentially volatile situations.
2. Enhance the understanding of restorative approaches and how they play in responding in an equitable fashion.

3.Discuss the 10 leading de-escalation tips and how they can be instrumental in creating safe places for all concerned.

PRESENTER: Dave Thomas

Dave Thomas is a Senior Law Enforcement Consultant primarily providing training and technical assistance in areas pertaining to intimate partner violence.  Additionally, he addresses use of force, community/law enforcement engagement, the coordinated community response, and multidisciplinary teams, and hate crimes recognition and response.  David R Thomas is going on his 35th year of providing training and technical assistance to law enforcement at the state, local, national, and international levels. He is a retired police officer who taught at Johns Hopkins University, served the Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program as a Highly Qualified Expert before working in his present position as a Program Manager II, International Association of Chiefs Police.  

V-STEP STAFF: 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).

In order to receive a Certificate of Training, participants video cameras must remain on during all V-STEP Webinar trainings.

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.