V-STEP: NEW! IMPLICIT BIAS AND THE IMPACT OF LANGUAGE

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

TITLE: NEW! IMPLICIT BIAS AND THE IMPACT OF LANGUAGE

DATE and TIME:

Tuesday June 17, 2025 ~ 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST

SUMMARY: The value of having a clear understanding of implicit bias and language use, and they can unintentionally have negative impacts on others, is essential to being a professional no matter what one’s calling may be. This training will look at the complexities of implicit bias and language and how they potentially affect the general population as well as vulnerable populations. It will highlight the significance of unconscious, or implicit biases, (of which we all have!) and the individual responsibility to root them out and address them. Additionally it will break down the use of language and its potential impact on others.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Define implicit bias and its potential impact.
2. Explore the ways in which language can shape perspectives.
3. Discuss methods that can be employed to eliminate destructive bias and utilize proper language.
   

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.

TRAINING CONTACTS: 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.