VSS Annual Report 15-16 VSS Annual Report 15-16 | Page 24

INFORMATION AND EDUCATION Community Education & Training VSS is funded by the Attorney-General’s Department to provide consultancy and training to a broad range of service providers on victim-related issues. Many of our staff regularly provide public awareness and information sessions to the criminal justice and social welfare sectors. During 2015-16, more than 1,600 people attended VSS training and community events. Key elements of our Child Victims of Crime Advocacy Campaign were a symposium focusing on Juvenile Co-Victims of “You guys should Domestic Violence Homicide in be really proud; you September 2015, and a conference in pulled off a great November entitled ‘Improving Justice night. Good balance and Support for Child and Adolescent of perspectives, etc” Victims of Crime’. Both events aimed to highlight the dearth of services for children who have experienced crime in South Australia. “The victim/SAPOL In addition to providing training to SAPOL and Prosecutors, VSS staff also presented on the SAPOL Domestic Violence video was useful in Cadets Investigators Course and to SAPOL Patrols in Western Adelaide Local Service Area showing both sides regarding our First Response Pilot Program. of an incident and how small things In 2016-17, VSS intends to strengthen our training options, including Seminars make a difference” in partnership with other not-for-profit organisations, government agencies and universities. VSS is also keen to explore new ways of making training material and content available through ‘virtual events’ and webinars. Media and Social Media VSS engages with the media to promote the rights of victims of crime and to support key advocacy campaigns when we are lobbying for change. 140 media mentions 14 media releases 23