1. Careers in Victim Advocacy
Susan Parmalee, Victim Advocate
Office of the State Attorney
Second Judicial Circuit
Tallahassee, FL

2. 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.

3. 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

4. What are the activities in which Victim Advocates engage?
Explanation of Criminal Justice System
Assistance with Crimes Compensation
Transportation
Assistance with Death notification

5. What are the activities in which Victim Advocates engage?
Coordination with investigators/prosecutors
Emergency legal and financial assistance
Safety planning

6. What types of organizations or businesses employ Victim Advocates?
First responder Organizations:
Law enforcement
Domestic Violence shelter
Child Abuse Center

7. 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

8. What types of organizations or businesses employ Victim Advocates?
Post Conviction Organizations:
Department of Corrections
Parole Commission

9. What types of organizations or businesses employ Victim Advocates?
Other Community Organizations:
Children’s Home Society
Agency for Persons with Disabilities
Universities/Colleges
MADD
Governor’s Office

10. 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

11. 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.

12. How good are employment opportunities for Victim 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. Website recommendations for students interested in Victim Advocacy
National Organization for Victim Assistance
State Attorney’s Office, 2nd Judicial Circuit