1. Susan Parmalee Graduated from FSU with Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology in 1987 Volunteer/Staff member for Big Bend 211 Mental Health Technician at Crisis Stabilization Unit Counselor at Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate for local law enforcement, Attorney General’s Office and State Attorney Involved in victim advocacy for over 20 years

2. VICTIM ADVOCACY What is a Victim Advocate? 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.

3. ADVOCATE AGENCIES First responder: Law enforcement DV shelter Child Abuse Center Legal: State Attorney’s Office Attorney General’s Office U.S. Attorney’s Office Federal Bureau of Investigation Guardian Ad Litem Courthouse Injunction Assistance

4. ADVOCATE AGENCIES Post Conviction: Department of Corrections Parole Commission Other: Children’s Home Society Agency for Persons with Disabilities Universities/Colleges MADD Tallahassee Urban League Governor’s Office

5. VICTIM ADVOCATE DUTIES Crisis intervention Short-term counseling Informing victims of their rights under Florida Statute 960 Referrals to community agencies Explanation of Criminal Justice System Assistance with Crimes Compensation Transportation Assistance with Death Notification Coordination with investigators/prosecutors Emergency legal and financial assistance

6. DIFFICULTIES IN ADVOCACY WORK 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

7. REWARDS IN ADVOCACY WORK Personal satisfaction/sense of making a real difference Helping victims realize their own strength and potential Relationships formed Every day is different/every victim and every event is unique Camaraderie/teamwork among community professionals

8. HOW TO PREPARE FOR A CAREER IN VICTIM ADVOCACY Earn four year degree Volunteer/Intern in social service field Research interests/Interview professionals in the community Consider career interest survey to enhance likelihood of longevity in field

9. EDUCATION/TRAINING/SALARY Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services or related field Masters Degree gets extra points! Some experience in Crisis Intervention or Victimization recommended but not required Victim Practitioner Designation strongly suggested $30,000 – $50,000

10. SUSAN PARMALEE Office of the State Attorney Victim/Witness Unit Second Judicial Circuit (850) 606-6115 http://www.sao2fl.org Click Victim/Witness tab