Frequently Asked Questions
What is 40-hour training?
40-hour training is a state certified training program that provides volunteers with comprehensive education to effectively intervene in domestic violence crisis. 40-hour training reveals the complex context of the victim and the perpetuator, and empowers the trainee to sift through the issues and assist the victim in making healthy choices. 40-hour training prepares volunteers to go the necessary distance to help bring an end to family violence.
Where can you get 40-hour training?
40-hour training programs are usually provided by local domestic violence agencies.
Who should have 40-hour training?
40-hour training is recommended for anyone interested in volunteering at a crisis center, shelter or an outreach/in-reach ministry to victims of domestic violence.
What is the cost of 40-hour training?
The cost for 40-hour training varies with different agencies ranging from $75 to $300. Most agencies waive the training fee if you commit to volunteer at their organization.
Why is 40-hour training important?
Domestic violence is a very complex issue and intervention is a delicate work. Knowing how and when to develop your own boundaries and to take care of yourself requires training. Equally important is developing the ability to refrain from transferring your expectations, values and standards to the victim. The wrong advice to a victim of domestic violence can be the difference between life and death. Not knowing how to balance all of the painful information you receive from a victim, or internalizing the victim’s feelings or having a need to rescue and/or fix people will only lead to burn out, depression and pessimism. 40-hour is essential to successful ministry to victims of domestic violence.
What is AVA training?
AVA training is a series of workshops and seminars that provide lay leaders and clergy with the knowledge of the biblical, spiritual and theological issues surrounding domestic violence, teen dating violence and adult survivors of child sexual abuse.
How long is the AVA training?
The AVA training is approximately 12-hour training and can be conducted over two days.
Where can you get AVA training?
AVA training is provided at regional conference seminars, women ministry retreats, mid-winter seminars and local churches.
Who should have AVA training?
Clergy, spiritual leaders and lay persons desiring to be a part of the AVA ministry should receive training. It also recommended for those who have friends and family who are victim/survivors of domestic violence or childhood sexual abuse.
What is the cost of AVA training?
Women Ministry asks for travel expenses, lodging and a donation to the AVA ministry for those who can afford these expenses. However, AVA understands that every local church may not be able to afford these expenses and will work within each church’s budget.
How many people are required to have an AVA training?
There is no magic number. All are encouraged to participate. AVA will train 2 or 200.
AVA does recommend churches with limited budgets partner with other churches or attend a Regional Conference seminar. AVA also recognizes that rural churches have different circumstances than suburban or urban churches and AVA will work with these churches to meet their need and their budget.
Is there an AVA curriculum available?
No. To date, AVA has not developed its own curriculum for small group ministry. AVA is currently working on a 25 hour training curriculum for licensed ministers.
Is there a non-Covenant curriculum available?
Yes. For domestic violence only check the Covenant Resource Center. For curriculum on teen dating violence, and adult survivors of child sexual abuse developed see the Faith Trust Institute. Also, check the curriculum listed in the recommending reading list on the AVA website.
How can I have an AVA trainer come to our church/conference?
- See your church leadership or conference superintendent.
Contact Aleese Moore-Orbih at Osotse@aol.com.
Contact AVA at (919) 596-1303.
Are there other resources available?
Yes. See recommended reading list on AVA’s website; see Covenant Resource Center's website and the following websites:
How do we minister to children?
Our first responsibility to our children is to provide love and safety. Although AVA intends to address child exposure to domestic violence and child abuse, it is not apart of our three year goal. However, we do have trained and knowledgeable people in this area within the denomination and if there is enough interest, AVA is willing to develop a conference specifically designed to equip ministries to minister to children. A recommended reading list is available upon request.
How do we raise awareness in the congregation?
- BREAK THE SILENCE
- The leadership spreads and carries the vision.
- Preaching series around the issues of healthy families.
- Form an AVA task team.
- Develop and disseminate a “zero tolerance for family violence” church statement.
- Host community forums in partnership with other local domestic violence, health, and family counseling agencies to discuss family violence.
- Provide spiritual literature as well as local resource information in your church.
- Have a day of remembrance for victim survivors in the church and larger community.
- Invite speakers from domestic violence agencies, law enforcement and justice system to speak to your congregation
What can we do to prevent adolescents from being in abusive relationship?
- Help their parents to have healthy relationships.
- Provide positive models of healthy relationships.
- Incorporate healthy relationship curriculum into youth programs.
- Teach gender equality to children.
- Provide conflict management classes.
- Help children, especially teens, know that they are loved by God, worthy of love and respect, and do not deserve any type of abuse.
- AVA does provide workshops for teens exposed to and involved in domestic violence.