Careers in Victim Advocacy

Susan Parmalee, Victim AdvocateOffice of the State Attorney

Second Judicial Circuit Tallahassee, FL

What is the Definition of Victim Advocacy?

• A victim is a person who experiences trauma and exhibits a normal response to an abnormal event.

• Advocacy is to be in support of something.• A Victim Advocate assists victims to aid in

their recovery from a traumatic event such as a violent crime.

What are the activities in which Victim Advocates engage?

• Crisis intervention

• Short-term counseling

• Informing victims of their rights under Florida Statute 960

• Referrals to community agencies

What are the activities in which Victim Advocates engage?

• Explanation of Criminal Justice System

• Assistance with Crimes Compensation

• Transportation

• Assistance with Death notification

What are the activities in which Victim Advocates engage?

• Coordination with investigators/prosecutors

• Emergency legal and financial assistance

• Safety planning

What types of organizations or businesses employ Victim Advocates?

First responder Organizations:

Law enforcement

Domestic Violence shelter

Child Abuse Center

What types of organizations or businesses employ Victim Advocates?

Legal Organizations:

State Attorney’s Office

Attorney General’s Office

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Guardian Ad Litem

Courthouse Injunction Assistance

What types of organizations or businesses employ Victim Advocates?

Post Conviction Organizations:

Department of Corrections

Parole Commission

What types of organizations or businesses employ Victim Advocates?

Other Community Organizations:Children’s Home SocietyAgency for Persons with DisabilitiesUniversities/CollegesMADDGovernor’s Office

How much graduate training is needed to become a Victim Advocate?

• Minimum Requirement of Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work or related fields such as Criminology, Sociology, Women's Studies

• Masters Degree gets extra points but not required

Are certifications or additional training needed to become a Victim Advocate?

• Experience in Crisis Intervention or Victimization highly recommended but not required.

•Victim Practitioner Designation strongly suggested.

•Most advocacy jobs require background checks and criminal history checks, specifically jobs in law enforcement or the courts.

How good are employment opportunities forVictim Advocates?

• As law enforcement and prosecution teams continue to value the role of victim advocates, job opportunities will continue to grow.

• Violent crime happens in every town, county and municipality. As long as crime occurs, there will be jobs.

What salaries do Victim Advocates earn?

• $30,000 – $60,000 per year

• Some jobs are funded by grants where the salary is higher but lack other benefits.

How flexible are working conditions for Victim Advocates?

• Most advocacy jobs are full-time and some have an on-call component.

• There are many volunteer and internship opportunities that are part-time.

• Casual dress is acceptable in all jobs except those involving the judicial system.

What skills and experiences should Undergrads Acquire if they are interested in Victim Advocacy?

• Volunteer/Intern in social service field.

• Interview professionals in the community.

• Consider career interest survey to enhance likelihood of longevity in field.

What skills and experiences should Undergrads Acquire if they are interested in Victim Advocacy?

• Employers are looking for individuals who are compassionate, patient, non-judgmental, well grounded and are able to handle emotionally charged situations

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a Victim Advocate?

• Personal satisfaction/sense of making a real difference

• Helping victims realize their own strength and potential

• Relationships formed

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a Victim Advocate?

• Every day is different/every victim and every event is unique

• Camaraderie/teamwork among community professionals

What is the biggest drawback of being a Victim Advocate?

• Compassion Fatigue

• Skewed view of world

• Long hours/On call

• Lack of financial resources

• Limitations to solving all problems

• Non-cooperative victims

• No guarantees of justice

Website recommendations for students interested in Victim Advocacy

• www.trynova.orgNational Organization for Victim Assistance

• www.sao2fl.orgState Attorney’s Office, 2nd Judicial Circuit