Being a victim means you have had something taken away from you unfairly. Being an advocate can sometimes mean fighting to get something back for these victims. And in some cases, it could also mean giving them something they didn’t have before. This can often take a toll on the advocates themselves — both mentally and sometimes physically.
A crime is one of the most disturbing and traumatizing things that can happen to a victim. The aftermath of violence, whether sexual, physical or psychological contact, can be devastating to the victim. Victims of crime need help navigating through their individual situations as well as traveling through the justice system.
How To Become A Victim Advocate
What Do Victim Advocates Do?
The first step that a victim advocate must take is to make contact with the victim, usually just after a crime. The first meeting is often a very delicate situation, as many victims may be very skittish and find it difficult to trust anyone. Sexual assault victims, for instance, will often be more open to working with a female victim advocate than a man.
After the initial meeting, a victim advocate will then work on getting the victim any emergency medical treatment that may be necessary. If the victim has been physically injured, for instance, they may need to be treated in the emergency room. A victim advocate may try to urge a sexual assault victim to be examined by a doctor and get samples collected into a rape kit directly following the crime. Samples in a rape kit may include swabs of bodily fluids, fingernail scrapings, and any clothing worn during the time of the assault.
Once a victim’s immediate needs are attended to, a victim advocate will also make sure that her other basic needs are attended to as well. For instance, the advocate may make sure that the victim has a safe place to go and has access to such things as a telephone, transportation, and food. Finding a safe place to live might also be necessary, and a victim advocate can usually help a victim do this as well. In order to do this, a victim advocate may help the victim apply for housing and other public assistance.
A victim advocate can also speak on the behalf of a victim, if she so desires. However, an advocate can only contact the people that the victim wishes her to contact, and he can only give out information with the victim’s permission. For instance, the advocate may call and inform any family members or friends of the crime and update them on the victim’s status. The advocate might also contact a victim’s employer to inform them that she will not be showing up to work.
Safety plans are also very important after a crime has been committed, especially if the victim’s aggressor is still walking free. A safety plan usually involves outlining steps that a victim could take should her aggressor make contact with her again. For instance, if a victim sees her assailant near her home or if he calls her on the phone, she should contact the police immediately, or get to a safe public place. The victim advocate will also help the victim perform such actions as getting a restraining order.
Navigating the legal system is one of the most difficult parts for a victim. A victim advocate can be very helpful in the event that the victim needs to take legal action against her assailant, and the advocate is often present through the entire process. For example, an advocate may:
- educate the victim of her legal rights,
- help the victim report the crime to law enforcement,
- be present during questioning,
- help the victim fill out any necessary paperwork,
- find legal representation,
- accompany the victim to court,
- be present during testimony, and
- give the victim a shoulder to lean on during court proceedings.
Even after justice has been served, many victims still find it difficult to move on with their lives. Some may not have employment after their ordeal, for instance, due to physical injuries or oppression from their aggressor. A victim advocate can work with a victim in this instance, and help her create a resume or find employment.
Mental and emotional disorders are also not uncommon after a traumatic experience such as a violent crime. If a victim is in need of mental health services, a victim advocate can refer her to support groups or mental health professionals that can help her down the road to recovery.
Where Do Victim Advocates Work?
Victim advocates may be employed by a number of different facilities, where they can be available to any and all victims in need of their services. They might work in police stations, legal offices, social service offices, and courts. Hospitals, shelters, and non-profit groups might also have victim advocates on staff as well.
What Are the Education Requirements to Become a Victim Advocate?
You can pursue a victim advocate career a few different ways. Some agencies and organizations might consider training the right people for the job, for instance, but this is usually rare. Most individuals interested in victim advocate careers will usually need to get a formal education. This usually involves earning at least an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology, or victimology. Some victim advocates might also earn graduate degrees in these areas as well.
Although it is not mandatory, some victim advocates may want to become certified, since certification can lead to more job opportunities and higher wages. To gain certification, advocates must contact the National Organization for Victim Assistance. This organization offers different levels of credentials for advocates, depending on their levels of experience and education.
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What Is the Average Salary of a Victim Advocate?
The annual average salary of a victim advocate can vary, primarily because the specific job of “victim advocate” doesn’t really exist. More accurately, the job exists, but when recording salary and employment data, they are considered social workers. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers made an annual average salary of $58,410 and the top 10 percent of the profession made nearly $85,000 on average. The federal government and local government are the two employers that pay the most for that type of social work, according to the BLS.
