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Domestic Violence Awareness (DV) Training Providers Evaluation Criteria

(MD Code, Business Occupations & Professions § 5-305.1 and § 4-302.1)**

Organizational Credibility & Mission Alignment

  • Organization is nonprofit, governmental, or recognized community-based entity
  • Mission clearly aligns with domestic violence awareness, victim advocacy, trauma-informed care, or public safety
  • Organization demonstrates at least 2 years of operational history and clear governance structure
  • Verification of business utilizing Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation’s (SDAT) Business Entity Search

Demonstrates Subject-Matter Expertise

  • Trainer(s) possess formal education, certification, or professional experience in DV advocacy, social work, counseling, victim services, or crisis intervention
  • Trainer(s) have experience delivering DV-related education to non-clinical or customer-facing professionals
  • Prior training experience with cosmetologists, barbers, educators, healthcare workers, or similar populations

Curriculum Compliance With Statutory Requirements

(MD Code, Business Occupations & Professions § 5-305.1 and § 4-302.1)

Training programs must include guidance on the following:

  • Recognizing the signs of domestic violence;
  • Strategies to navigate conversations with clients who may be victims of domestic violence;
  • How to listen to and communicate with victims of domestic violence; and
  • Connecting clients with resources and support groups for victims of domestic violence.

*Note: All four elements must be clearly addressed.

Training Format & Accessibility

  • Training offered in-person and virtually
  • Format allows reasonable statewide access
  • Accessible delivery methods (captioning, clear audio, plain language)

Duration & Content Integrity

  • Minimum of 1 full instructional hour provided
  • Agenda clearly identifies instructional time allocation
  • At least 45–50 minutes of direct instruction; no excessive promotional or unrelated content

Trauma-Informed & Scope-Appropriate Approach

  • Training is trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and non-judgmental
  • Training clearly instructs licensees not to investigate, diagnose, counsel, or intervene
  • Emphasizes professional boundaries, referral, and support only

Resource Accuracy & Localization

  • Includes Maryland-based or nationally recognized DV hotlines/resources
  • Information is current, accurate, and verifiable
  • Referral guidance aligns with Maryland systems

Verification & Recordkeeping Capability

  • Provider issues proof of completion/certificates
  • Attendance records maintained and available for audit
  • Participant identity verification process in place