Susan Parmalee

1
Susan Parmalee

• Graduated from FSU with Bachelor of Science
  Degree 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
  Generals Office and State Attorney
• Involved in victim advocacy for 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
EDUCATION/TRAINING/SALARY

• Bachelors 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
• 25,000 45,000

4
ADVOCATE AGENCIES

• First responder
• Law enforcement
• DV shelter
• Child Abuse Center
• Legal
• State Attorneys Office
• Attorney Generals Office
• U.S. Attorneys Office
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Guardian Ad Litem
• Courthouse Injunction Assistance

5
ADVOCATE AGENCIES

• Post Conviction
• Department of Corrections
• Parole Commission
• Other
• Childrens Home Society
• Agency for Persons with Disabilities
• Universities/Colleges
• MADD
• Tallahassee Urban League
• Governors Office

6
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

7
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

8
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

9
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

10
ADVOCATE CREED

• We are here to listennot to work miracles.
• We are here to help people discover what they are
  feeling...not to make feelings go away.
• We are here to help people identify their
  optionsnot to decide for them what they should
  do.
• We are here to discuss steps with peoplenot take
  the steps for them.
• We are here to provide support for CHANGE.