Core Advocacy Training (CAT)
What is CAT?
Core Advocacy Training (CAT) is a 40-hour training that details the skills and knowledge necessary to support and empower survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, stalking, and human trafficking.
Training Opportunities
We offer two options for completing the CAT course. Enroll in an upcoming Zoom course or complete it at your own pace in our online learning center. Either option fulfills CAT requirements.
Note: Self-Paced Course In Beta Testing
or enroll in an upcoming course below
Virtual Core Advocacy Training
ZoomDate: April 17, 2023 – April 28, 2023 (Mon-Fri only) Time: 9:00 am to 1:30 pm Location: Virtual Click here to register
Virtual Core Advocacy Training
ZoomDate: Aug 21, 2023 – Sept 1, 2023 (Mon-Fri only) Time: 9:00am to 12:30 pm Location: Virtual Click here to register
CAT Overview
Core Advocacy Training (CAT) is a 40-hour training that details the skills and knowledge necessary to support and empower domestic and sexual abuse survivors. There is no cost for training, but registration is required.
Each training module is 4.5 hours (4 hours of training and a 30-minute break) and delivered over 10 days. The CAT covers a wide range of topics specific to domestic/intimate partner violence and sexual assault:
Overview and history
Dynamics of abuse
Victim advocacy in practice
Civil and criminal justice response
Specialized topics (digital abuse, stalking,self-care, etc.)
Undeserved populations (undocumented and limited-English speakers, Native Americans, plural families, LGBTQIA+ survivors, offenders, etc.)
Essential resources
The CAT content is developed and presented by a diverse team of subject matter experts and experienced advocates. The material is delivered entirely through Zoom, and training activities include discussion groups, skill-based workshops, and interactive presentations.
Who Should Attend
Training Dates
2023 CATs will be offered on April 17–April 28 (mornings) . Registration will be open for one CAT at a time.
“In addition to our self-paced CAT (offered on a rolling basis), live 40-hour victim advocate trainings are offered almost monthly with the help of our partner programs, the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault (UCASA) and the Utah Office for Victims of Crime (UOVC). To see our shared training calendar, with all approved 40-hour victim advocate trainings, please visit https://crimevictim.utah.gov/training or call 801-521-5544.
Training Credits
The Utah Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) approves the training and qualifies attendees for 40 CEUs.
Training Cost
Free; however, registration is required.
CAT is funded by Grant No. 2018-X1518-UT-MU, awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice, supports CAT. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.