Victim advocates provide emotional and legal support to people who have experienced trauma.
There are several avenues available to members of the public who wish to become victim advocates in their communities. A victim advocate provides assistance to crime victims who may need a mentor as they work through the legal system. Advocates can provide information about the case investigation and prosecution process and can attend court, meetings and other events with the victim to offer support. In most regions, victims of violent crime will be asked if they wish to meet with an advocate when they make their initial report of crimes such as rape and violent assault, and one will be provided free of charge.
Victim advocates must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to listen to a variety of people.
One option is to participate in a community training program. A person who wants to become a victim advocate can talk to local law enforcement agencies or the district attorney about joining the victim advocate program. The candidate will need to fill out a few documents, go through a background check, and complete training. Typically, the office requests a commitment of at least a year, as training requires a significant time investment and the agency wants to avoid training someone only to have them stop working after a short period of time.
A victim advocate may choose to work as a crisis counselor at a hotline.
A person who has already become a victim advocate in a different region can skip part of the training to get to work right away. It is often necessary to provide evidence of successful completion of a training program. The advocate may be asked about the topics covered and her experience to ensure she is a good fit for the program. If everything seems to be in order, you can start working in the local criminal justice system.
Advocates are often former victims who understand what a person is going through.
Another way to become a victim advocate is through a community organization, such as a rape crisis center or an organization that supports victims of violent crime. These organizations offer training programs and typically work with police officers to ensure that their personnel receive proper and proper training. Graduates of the Victim Advocate Training Program can also work as crisis counselors on a direct or indirect line.
Someone who plans to become a victim advocate may also receive training at a college or university. These trainings are intended to provide knowledge about the criminal justice system. Graduates typically take a few classes to learn how the system works and also take a few psychology courses so they can work effectively with people in crisis. At the end of the training, the graduate receives a diploma. This can enable them to become victim advocates in any community that accepts the training. They may also choose to join professional advocacy organizations for continuing education opportunities and additional certifications.
No matter what path a person takes to become a victim advocate, the job typically requires being available for a certain number of hours each month. During the call, the defenders agree to help the victims at the hospital, the police station and the courthouse. They may be called late at night and interact with victims in extreme emotional distress. Work can be very tiring and it is important to use self-care techniques such as taking time off or counseling to avoid burnout.