Since 1980, AVP has trained thousands of service providers, nonprofit staff, health care professionals, community groups, businesses, LGBTQ+ people, and allies to prevent and respond to violence against LGBTQ+ people, including those with HIV.
Our expert trainers are social workers, advocates, lawyers, educators, and community outreach professionals.
We provide trainings designed to strengthen cultural competency and practical skills for supporting LGBTQ+ survivors in their communities to:
SERVICE PROVIDERS
With funding support from New York City and New York State, AVP offers free trainings and consultations to organizations that serve New Yorkers. We work closely and extensively with service providers, city agencies, and community organizations across the city.
Community Members, Groups,
Institutions & Businesses
We also train LGBTQ+ community members, survivors, allies, LGBTQ+ groups, community centers, nightlife venues, and cultural institutions.
Whether you’re an ally looking to learn how to intervene safely, or an organization seeking to make your space more inclusive, AVP can help.
What to Expect from an AVP Training
Our sessions range from 90 minutes to full-day or multi-part series, customized to your needs and goals. Topics include:
Active Assailant Safety
Learn how to prepare for and respond to active assailant threats, including active shooters, bomb threats, and other emergencies. This workshop covers how to identify potential threats, establish safety protocols, and build strong communication plans. Participants will also engage in a tabletop exercise exploring real-time decision-making in a simulated crisis. Often paired with AVP’s De-Escalation or Event Safety Planning trainings. (90–120 mins)
Community Safety Marshals
Learn how to support day-of safety at events as a trusted staff member, volunteer, or community leader. This training covers how to organize and operate as part of a safety marshal team, make effective decisions, and use clear communication protocols to protect your community. Includes condensed content from AVP’s Upstander Intervention & Event Safety Planning trainings. (60 mins)
Creating LGBTQ+ Inclusive Workplaces
Learn how to build a more inclusive and affirming workplace for LGBTQ+ employees. This training explores best practices for addressing discrimination and harassment, responding to microaggressions, supporting employee resource groups (ERGs), and understanding workplace rights. Includes hands-on activities and discussion for both LGBTQ+ employees and organizations looking to improve their culture. (90–120 mins)
Event Safety Planning
Learn how to create intentional safety plans for events centering LGBTQ+ communities. This training helps event organizers, producers, and community groups build protocols that protect attendees, staff, and talent. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to develop or refine real event safety plans. Often paired with AVP’s Upstander Intervention & De-Escalation and/or Community Safety Marshal Trainings. (60–90 mins)
LGBTQ+ IPV Screening & Assessment
Learn how to improve your screening and intake protocols for intimate partner violence (IPV) to better serve LGBTQ+ survivors. This training offers practical guidance on creating inclusive, affirming assessment tools and builds on AVP’s Working with LGBTQ+ Survivors framework. Facilitated by AVP’s clinical team. (90–120 mins)
Online Safety & Cybersecurity
Learn how to stay safe online when facing digital threats like harassment, doxxing, email or social media abuse, and Zoom bombing. This training offers in-depth guidance on identifying and responding to online harassment, protecting against identity theft, securing digital meeting spaces, and building safer online practices. (90–120 mins)
Upstander Intervention & De-Escalation
Learn how to safely intervene when witnessing harassment or violence in public or professional spaces. This signature AVP training covers the 5 D’s of de-escalation, environmental scanning, and real-world safety tools. Through hands-on activities and reflection, participants build the skills and confidence to assess risks and take action while centering care and community safety. (60–90 mins)
Working w/ LGBTQ+ (or TGNC or HIV-Impacted) Survivors
Learn how to support LGBTQ+ people impacted by intimate partner violence, hate violence, or sexual violence. Participants explore anti-oppressive, trauma-informed practices through hands-on activities and discussions, with a focus on the unique experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ survivors. (90–120 mins)
Working w/ LGBTQ+ Youth
Learn how to work with LGBTQ+ youth facing violence or harm. Topics include supporting youth who are navigating dating violence, consent / safer sex, healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, online / social media dangers, and more. (90-120 mins)