Advocates for crime and abuse victims are meeting in Western Kentucky this week for training in the state Justice Cabinet’s inaugural Kentucky Victim Assistance Academy.
The academy is a weeklong program at Kenlake State Resort Park focusing on understanding the victim’s experience and the trauma that follows. Secretary of Justice and Public Safety Cabinet John Tilley said the academy is a first for Kentucky. He said the cabinet’s federal partners encouraged the academy to be a pilot project for in-depth training and certifications for victim advocates.
“This kind of trauma informed practice that we’re delving into very deeply is really where the country is heading and it’s a good thing,” Tilley said. “It’s a good thing that we’re training in this way to help these folks.”
Tilley said 60 people from across Kentucky are participating in the academy. He said the academy was made possible by increased federal funding to the Crime Victim’s Fund. The cabinet hopes wants to bring the program back next year