V-STEP WEBINAR: REVISED 2025! Ethics in Victim Services

REVISED 2025!

ROPER VICTIM ASSISTANCE ACADEMY OF MARYLAND (RVAAM), University of Baltimore

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

DATES & TIMES:

Thursday, December 4, 2025 ~ 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM EST

SUMMARY:

This traing provides an in-depth exploration of ethical principles in victim services, emphasizing how professional standards protect both clients and practitioners. Participants examine the importance of ethics, boundaries, confidentiality vs. privilege, and cultural competence in maintaining trust and effectiveness in advocacy.

Through case studies and group discussions, attendees are challenged to apply ethical reasoning to real-world scenarios involving dual relationships, client autonomy, confidentiality dilemmas, and cross-cultural considerations.

The session highlights the impact of ethical conduct on professional reputation, client well-being, and organizational credibility, while also addressing how ethical practice fosters self-care, emotional health, and resilience among advocates.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Define ethics in victim services
   Explain what ethics are and why they are essential for professionalism, integrity, and client safety in the victim services field.
2. Understand the purpose of a code of ethics
   Identify how ethical standards safeguard the profession, protect clients, and promote responsible practice.
3. Recognize and maintain professional boundaries
   Distinguish between empathy and over-involvement, and understand the consequences of boundary violations.
4. Differentiate between confidentiality and privilege
   Clarify the legal and ethical distinctions and understand the exceptions that may require disclosure.
5. Apply ethical decision-making to case scenarios
   Use critical thinking to analyze dilemmas involving client autonomy, cultural sensitivity, and mandated reporting.
6. Integrate cultural competence into ethical practice
   Demonstrate awareness of how cultural beliefs and biases affect advocacy, communication, and ethical judgment.
7. Promote professional wellness and accountability
   Understand how ethical practice supports self-care, teamwork, and long-term emotional health for victim service providers.

PRESENTER:

Debbie Bradley, C.A., VASIII 410-638-4905 or bradleyd@harfordsheriff.org

Training Contacts:

Anne Milun (Litecky), 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).

2025 V-STEP:

Regional Victim Services Advanced Trainings are held virtually and in 5 regional locations across Maryland. Please contact Anne Milun, V-STEP Program Manager for information or to schedule a training for your agency or organization.