Gender-Based Violence Division
The Gender-Based Violence Division (GBVD) at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission provides specialized, trauma-informed training for law enforcement professionals investigating sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, stalking, and gender-related crimes.
Our courses are designed to provide participants with the tools needed to strengthen investigative skills, improve engagement with victims and survivors, and support effective, accountable responses to complex cases. Rooted in current research and best practices, our curriculum promotes lifelong skill refinement and growth.
Training and Courses
The following courses are designed for Washington State law enforcement officers, investigators, specialized interviewers, coroners, medical examiners, and prosecutors seeking to build proficiency and continually advance their investigative practice. Explore current offerings below.
- Patrol Officer Response to Sexual Assault
- Start by Believing
- Gender-Related Crimes - The Fundamentals of Stalking
- Sexual Assault Investigations (SAI-VCERT) Tactics
- Domestic Violence - Trauma Informed Investigations and Response
- Child Abuse Interviewing and Assessment (CAIA)
- Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Investigations (SUIDI)
Contact Us
Gender Based Violence Department
Gender-Related Crimes Program Manager
- Anderia Johnson
- Email: anderia.johnson@cjtc.wa.gov
- Phone: (206) 822-1592
Special Investigations Program Manager
- Kris Goheen
- Email: kris.goheen@cjtc.wa.gov
- Phone: (206) 793-2617
Sexual Assault Investigations Program Manager
- Andrea Piper-Wentland
- (425) 766-1993
- andrea.piperwentland@cjtc.wa.gov
Domestic Violence Program Manager
- Denise Bessette
- (206) 843-3347
- denise.bessette@cjtc.wa.gov
About Mandated State Training
All peace officers shall complete gender-based violence training at least once every three years.
Effective July 2025, the following two courses will satisfy the gender-based violence officer training requirement under RCW 43.101.276.
Learn more about Washington State mandated training here:
Additional Resources
Visit our Training and Education page to view other divisions and course offerings.