Chapter 6: Victim Services

Chapter 6: Victim ServicesChapter 6: Victim Services

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Careers in Criminal Justice

Sage Publications Inc.


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• The Crime Victim’s Rights Act of 2004 forced a lot

of changes in the criminal justice system.

•The onus was put on all city and state governments

to ensure victims received the rights promised them

by the bill.


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Victim’s Rights• The right to notification.

• The right not to be excluded from proceedings.

• The right to protection from the accused.

• The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.

• The right to restitution.

• The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.

• The right to a proceedings free from unreasonable delay

• The right to be treated with fairness and respect for the

victims' dignity and privacy.


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Victim’s Rights

• Why weren’t these amenities offered to victims all along?

• Before the economy crashed in 2007, some would answer that it was a lack of money and resources.

• However, since 2007 we have seen agencies work with less because they had to.

• Police departments and courts had to rethink and alter how they accomplished their everyday tasks.


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• If anything good came out of the budget collapse, it was the forced improvements.

• Better victims’ service is just one of many avant garde transformations in recent years.

• Some of the new victim responsibilities were given to police departments and some were given to the courts.

• The deficit of efficient services for victims wasn’t a lack of concern on the part of police and courts.


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• It is difficult to change paradigms in any occupation, but it is especially hard in law enforcement.

• While assistant chiefs and captains deal with departmental issues, the chief of police handles outside political issues, which included pleading with the city management for more manpower.

• Justifying a need for patrol officers has always been much easier than selling new programs, such as victim services.


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•Had administrators of police departments recognized the need for better treatment of victims, the idea of trying to change officers’ approach to their job would have been a huge undertaking, if even possible at all.

•Worrying about victims of crime isn’t what many police officers signed up for (prior to 2004).

•Even today the victim-focused mentality isn’t found among all police employees, but more and more the hiring units are looking for just that type of mindset.


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• The crime victim’s movement was intensified during the mid 80s and many agencies received funding to facilitate better treatment to victims.

• The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) of 1984 was the catalyst.

• Over a billion dollars has been spent on victim assistance programs since the start of the VOCA funding.

• This funding has come from numerous contributors besides the government.


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• There have also been many community leaders who have stepped up and persisted in keeping the vision alive.

• Instead of the crime victim’s movement being just a temporary fad, it has become one of the most successful and supported movements in recent history.

• Today, we have witnessed the emergence of enhanced victim-centered protocols and the creation of new jobs associated with victim advocacy.


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• Today, many victim advocacy positions are funded by state and federal grants, but city governments remain accountable to support the programs.

• Police departments and courts look for victim services personnel who are grant savvy.

• Many victim services specialists are self supportive by writing their own grant requests in order to retain their position in the agency they work.


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• Today, many victim advocacy positions are funded by state and federal grants, but city governments remain accountable to support the programs.

• Police departments and courts look for victim services personnel who are grant savvy.

• Many victim services specialists are self supportive by writing their own grant requests in order to retain their position in the agency they work.

• City governments must be prepared to pick up the slack if government funding ends.


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Victim Advocate

• A civilian position that has surfaced at many police departments in the last few decades.

• To work for Farmington Police Department in New Mexico as a Crime Victim Advocate, you would perform a variety of administrative and professional public safety assistance work in planning, coordinating, and directing services for victims of violent crime.

• Many agencies employ advocates for victims of all crimes.


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Victim Advocate

• A significant aspect of the work in Farmington involves public contact with adult and child victims of violent crime, law enforcement staff, and community groups.

• Advocates in Farmington work under general supervision of a designated detective lieutenant.

• They perform advocate duties for victims within the criminal justice system.


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Victim Advocate

• Responsible for the development, administration, and

evaluation of the victim program, serving as a spokesperson

and liaison with other law enforcement staff, allied

professional agencies, community groups, and the

community at large to carry out the purpose of the program.


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Victim Advocate

• Advocates conduct public speaking presentations for the

general public, training for allied professionals, updates and

training for law enforcement staff, victim advocate staff, and

program volunteers, and monitor case management, which

includes analyzing reports, contacting victims, developing

action plans with the victims, and monitoring case

progression through the judicial system.


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Victim Advocate

• Farmington requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social science or a related field (Master’s degree preferred) and three years experience in victim assistance programs or other non-profit victim oriented programs.

• They also require one year experience working with the criminal justice system and one year experience in grant writing or a satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training.


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Victim Advocate

• Applicants must provide enough information for a thorough background check.

• Considerable knowledge of and experience with strategic planning, program development, personnel management, and grants and budgets are also preferred.

• Farmington requires working knowledge of the adult and juvenile criminal justice system, good knowledge of victimology and crisis intervention techniques, the ability to prepare reports, and the ability to effectively communicate.


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Victim Advocate

• Because victim advocates are often paid by grants, the victim advocate or victim service supervisor is usually responsible to write the grant.

• Having grant writing experience is not always vital for advocate positions, but can propel you in front of other candidates for practically any position in government work.

• Grant writing training is offered all over the country for as low as $100.00

• You can find training in your area and receive a certificate after the course.


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Victim Advocate

• Because victim advocates are often paid by grants, the victim advocate or victim service supervisor is usually responsible to write the grant.

• Having grant writing experience is not always vital for advocate positions, but can propel you in front of other candidates for practically any position in government work.

• Grant writing training is offered all over the country.


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Victim Advocate

• Once you receive your certificate, you can list “Grant writing certified” on your resume.

• The ideal situation for a victim advocate is a job in which the city sponsors the position and includes all the usual benefits, such as sick pay, vacation time, and health insurance.

• The pay range for most advocacy work ranges from $24,000 - $44,000.


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Victim Advocate

Victim advocacy isn’t routinely conducted by males, but there are some advantages to having males involved in the work.

Victims of theft or burglary rarely need as much intervention as a victim of family death, sexual assault, or domestic violence, but in many government agencies, victim advocacy is available for victims of all types of crimes.

Most advocate work is short term to help victims get through the initial crisis and then refer them to counselors if necessary.


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Victim Advocate

• Advocacy is significant in domestic violence cases.

• Victims of domestic violence stay in abusive relationships for a variety of reasons such as fear, economic dependency, belief the abuser will change, isolation, cultural influences, immigration status, religion, low self esteem, and for the children.

• Advocates play a multifaceted role with these types of victims.


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Victim Advocate

• Advocates educate victims to help them understand their abuser better and learn what resources are available.

•They develop safety plans with victims and find them shelter, often providing financial assistance for food and travel.

•Advocates become a liaison between the victim and the criminal justice system to help assure the case is investigated properly and the abuser receives prompt consequences.


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Victim Advocate

• Advocates accompany victims to court for an order of protection and then follow through with the police to make sure it gets served.

• Law enforcement and attorneys benefit by having someone take the victim by the hand.

• Even though a victim no longer needs to say “I’ll prosecute,” a case is not likely going to be successful if the victim refuses to testify in court.


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Victim Advocate

• There are 56 state coalitions that target domestic violence prevention and also a National Coalition against Domestic Violence (NCADV).

• These coalitions work closely with the state governments from whom they often receive much of their funding.

• The Arizona Coalition against Domestic Violence (AzCADV) was organized in 1980.


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Victim Advocate

• AZCADV was formed so professionals and concerned citizens state-wide could unite, increase public awareness about the issue of domestic violence, enhance the safety of and services for domestic violence victims, and reduce the incidents of domestic violence in Arizona families.

• AZCADV is based in Phoenix, Arizona and has significant statewide presence.

• They work with more than 170 formal members and allies to carry out their mission and objectives.


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Victim Advocate

• Those working within the realm of AZCADV include victim advocates, legal advocates, system advocates, and trainers.

• AZCADV hosts a number of volunteer.

• Some of the volunteer opportunities include the Legislative Advisory Committee, Legal Committee, Domestic Violence Programs Committee, Women of Color Committee, and the SHARE Survivors Advisory Committee


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Victim Advocate

• For the first ten years, the Nebraska Coalition was a volunteer organization with no paid staff and no office location.

• In 1987 the Coalition received funds from the Department of Social Services to open an office and hire a staff person.

• The Oregon Coalition against Domestic & Sexual Violence (OCADSV) is a statewide nonprofit corporation comprised of 45 member programs.


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Social Media and Event Coordinator

• With some advocacy experience you could transition into other positions within the coalitions or their partner organizations.

• One example is the position of Social Media and Events Coordinator for the Oregon Coalition against Domestic & Sexual Violence.

• The SMEC provides a wide array of event, administrative, technical, and office coordination.


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The minimum qualifications for the position of Social Media and Event Coordinator include:

• An understanding of and agreement with The coalition’s mission statement and philosophy regarding the elimination of sexual violence, empowerment, inclusiveness, and social change.

•Two to five years experience working with domestic or sexual violence survivors.

•Three years of experience providing internal technology support.


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Minimum qualifications continued:

• Proficiency in database and website administration.

• Demonstrated understanding of social media activities and usage.

• Very high attention to details and excellent verbal and written communication

skills.

• Associate in Computer Systems Administration or the equivalent of education

and experience.

• Ability to travel statewide on some overnighters and weekends.


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Sexual Assault Victim Advocate

• The Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence is a statewide non-profit coalition.

• They provides training, technical assistance, policy work, and legal services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking.

• The coalition employs a Sexual Assault Victim Advocate for its sexual assault legal clinic.


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• The goal of the Sexual Assault Legal Clinic is to provide comprehensive and holistic legal representation in civil matters for victims of sexual assault.

• The funding for these services allows the coalition to provide representation to clients in 34 counties.

• The Sexual Assault Victim Advocate for the Tennessee Coalition is responsible for assisting the staff attorneys in representation of sexual assault victims.


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Specific duties in Tennessee include:

• Conduct intake for referred clients and perform a safety needs

assessment.

• Make referrals for resources needed to increase victim safety.

• Work directly with sexual assault programs to obtain documents

necessary for legal representation.

• Assist in collecting and managing data related to the clients.


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• The qualifications and desired qualities for this position include knowledge of and experience with sexual assault victims, excellent communication skills, fluency in languages other than English, cultural knowledge, and the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

• Like most advocate positions, the salary is between $30,000 and $44,000


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Prevention Specialist

The position of Prevention Specialist exists at the Florida Coalition against Domestic Violence.

Working for the Florida Coalition in this position you would provide training and technical assistance to Florida's 42 certified domestic violence (DV) centers and allied partners.

You would need knowledge of root causes of violence against women and oppressed groups, proven training experience, ability to multi-task, and a consistent employment history.


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Prevention Specialist

As a PS You would need extensive knowledge of primary

prevention for domestic violence, experience planning,

implementing, and evaluating prevention programs,

experience working with youth and engaging youth

leadership, experience with the Coordinated Community

Response to Domestic Violence, and a proven history of

successful organizing for social change.


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Domestic Violence Hotline Advocate

• Florida Coalition has a position of Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline Advocate. • In this job you would provide crisis intervention, information, referral, and ongoing advocacy to survivors of domestic violence who call Florida's toll-free statewide domestic violence hotline.


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• When not answering the hotline you would provide

administrative support for the program department, build

upon the existing hotline resources, review hotline data,

assist with developing hotline trainings and corresponding

curricula, and support the direct supervisor with other duties

and assignments.


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• To be a Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline Advocate, you would need to possess a high school diploma or equivalent and have four years relevant experience, or a bachelor's degree in a related field and three years relevant experience.

• As a Hotline Advocate, you must have extensive knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence and a history of successful advocacy on behalf of survivors.


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Training Specialist

• The Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (WCSAP) has a position for Training Specialist, which is common position in most states.

• The Training Specialist develops, implements, and evaluates trainings, and facilitates training and events related to the continuum of sexual violence and sexual assault services.

• Washington prefers employees from historically marginalized communities


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Training Specialist

• Generally a training position requires the same skills as an advocate.

• They also look for someone who can present in front of large groups.

• The job interviews for training positions usually involve you giving a short presentation in front of the staff to demonstrate your ability.

• Spanish speaking is a plus for any advocate position, but especially for trainers.


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Training & Resource Development Specialist

• The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV), located in Washington D.C. has a position for Training & Resource Development Specialist.

• The TRDS is responsible for coordinating domestic violence training, specialized technical assistance, and resource development on a wide range of subjects and issues that intersect with domestic violence dynamics, prevalence, intervention, prevention, and public awareness.


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• The training, technical assistance, and resource

development is guided by high-quality research, analysis,

information and resources on domestic violence, and is

provided to individuals and local, state, tribal, and federal

entities throughout the U.S.


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• The TRDS position requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited four-year college or university, a minimum of five years experience in work directly pertaining to domestic violence, social justice, systems advocacy, or social change, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Direct domestic violence service experience is strongly preferred.


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• For this position you would need to demonstrate knowledge and experience of planning, developing, and implementing technical assistance and training specifically related to domestic violence.

•You would need to assess the development and delivery of resources, consultation and services, and follow-up and evaluation


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Court Victim Advocate

Victim advocates are also employed at courts and prosecutors’ offices.

To be a Court Victim Advocate Specialist in Brighton, Colorado you would provide information, assistance, andsupport to victims, witnesses, and deputy district attorneys in cases filed for prosecution in district, county, and juvenile court divisions.


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You would provide information to victims and witnesses regarding the functions and role of the Victim Witness Services Unit in the District Attorney's office and of victim's rights as set forth in Colorado statutes.

You would provide practical explanation of courtroom procedures to victims and witnesses, including general criminal justice process and definitions of legal terminology.


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You would provide referrals to and information regarding the availability of crisis intervention services, victim compensation funds, victim assistance, legal assistance, immigration and financial assistance resources, mental health resources, and social services.

You would initiate and respond to in-person, telephone, and written contact with victims and witnesses to provide factual, accurate, and timely case related information.


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• You would assist victims and witnesses with payment of mileage and witness fees.

• You would need to attend and participate in training opportunities that are directly related to unit services, and maintain statistical data regarding services provided to victims and witnesses.


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• The requirements to be hired in Brighton, Colorado include

a Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field, two

years experience working with victims of crime in a criminal

justice or community based service program, and it is

preferred if applicants have a NOVA or COVA Advocate

certification.

•Spanish speaking is another requirement


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• The Midtown Community Court is a public-private partnership and a project of the Fund for the City of New York.

• Its mission is to respond constructively to quality-of-life crime and to work to prevent further crime before it occurs.

• It accomplishes these goals by sentencing persons arrested for misdemeanors in the court's catchment area to a range of community service and social service sentences, including drug treatment, job training, and counseling.


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•To work as an advocate for this organization your responsibilities would include:

• Complete intake and psycho-social assessments and keep accurate records.

• Provide individual counseling and case management to both mandated and voluntary clients.

• Facilitate therapeutic groups for women, trans-women, and men, and develop the group curricula.


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Responsibilities include:• Develop and conduct training for court stakeholders.

• Develop a directory of resources for program participants.

• Draft court compliance memos.

• Provide statistical and narrative reports covering services provided on a monthly basis.

• Attend casework supervision and clinical training at MCC.

•Participate in weekly case conferences, clinic and staff meetings at MCC


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Qualifications and skills that are required for this job include:

• BA, BS in Social Work or related field.

• Experience working with victims of trauma including domestic violence and sexual assault.

• Experience working within the criminal justice system and understanding of mandated programs.


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Qualifications and skills that are required for this job include:

• Experience working with LGBT communities.

• Bi-lingual Spanish (preferred).

• Knowledge and understanding of trauma, specifically domestic violence and sexual assault.

• The salary for the advocate at MMC is $35,000 - $40,000


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Advocate Program Specialist

• The Arizona Attorney General’s Office, Criminal Division, Office of Victim Services Section has a position of Advocate Program Specialist.

• The APS performs casework, human services, and administrative duties of moderate difficulty.

• The APS assists victims through the complex criminal justice system, providing quality crime victim services, including both mandated and non-mandated services.


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• The APS helps victims through the judicial pre-trial or post-conviction process, handling often high-profile and complex cases such as multi-victim white collar crimes, elder exploitation, and death penalty cases.

• Case work includes victims' rights notification activities, monitoring and advocating for compliance with court orders for restitution, and the promotion of victims' interest and participation in the criminal justice progress.


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• The APS provides services in the form of crisis counseling and intervention and follow-up services to victims, such as referrals to community agencies for assistance, court orientation and escort, and personal and legal advocacy.

• The APS implements program policies and procedures, operates manuals and protocols, and serves as a resource on victims' rights issues.

• The APS facilitates attorney-victim meetings, and serves as a liaison between the victim and the prosecutor, courts, criminal justice, and community agencies statewide.


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• The APS is also responsible for the completion and accurate case documentation of activities and services, assisting in the selection, training, and monitoring of volunteer interns, and providing coverage for other advocates.

• Ideal Candidates have a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited university with an emphasis on social science and/or extensive experience in victim services or a related field, criminal justice, and community agencies statewide.


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Volunteers and Interns

• Courts also have positions for volunteers and interns in victim services like the Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Hawaii.

• Formerly known as the Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem Program, the CASA program is comprised of trained volunteers who are appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a child in a child abuse or neglect case, in and out of court.


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• CASA volunteers must be at least 20 years old and able to spend between 4 and 25 hours a month serving as fact-finders, advocates, and monitors for children in need.

• The Judiciary provides free training and staff support for all volunteers.

• Albany, New York has a Court Advocate Volunteer Program at the Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center.


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• The Center is a therapy, counseling, advocacy, and referral service for victims of crime.

• It is located in downtown Albany and is currently staffed by a director, three NYS licensed therapists (one of whom specializes in child therapy), four crime victim caseworkers, a prevention educator, a volunteer coordinator, and two support staff.

• In addition, it maintains a 24-hour hotline for victims and survivors of sexual assault.


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• The Center has been an autonomous department of Albany County government since 1975 and adheres to the philosophy of client-centered treatment.

• The Center is charged by the Albany County Legislature to provide trained counselors for all victims regardless of their intention of making a police report or prosecuting.

• Court Advocate Volunteers identify and speak to victims of crime when those victims attend the arraignment of their offender.


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• The volunteer is expected to provide emotional support for the victim, as well as be able to answer questions that the client may have about the criminal justice system.

• In addition, the volunteer will assist victims in applying for compensation for monetary losses resulting from their crime through the New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS).

• Volunteers must be familiar with the categories of compensation available, and fill out the application with the victim while in court.


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• All potential court advocate volunteers complete an application provided by the Center.

• Each applicant is interviewed by a member of the professional staff and then references are checked prior to acceptance into the program.

• The Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center provides training sessions for all volunteers on victimization and the criminal justice system.


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• Upon completion of 15 hours of training, the volunteers arrange to shadow a staff person in court on several occasions.

• The volunteers are assigned to a specific court when the staff and the volunteer both feel confident in the volunteer’s ability to work unsupervised.

• Supervision is provided as needed by a center caseworker.


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• In addition, Court Advocate Volunteers are required to complete an additional 35 hours of the U.S. Office for Victims of Crime training required to become certified as a Crime Victim Service Provider.

• This training is done in conjunction with court advocacy placement.

• The center welcomes all persons 19 years and older as court advocate volunteers


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• The courts in Augusta, Georgia have a victim advocate position who provides direct services and information to victims of misdemeanor crimes within the guidelines of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, local government, and department policies.

• The advocate works with governmental and victim-related agencies, crime victims, and the public to provide administrative support.


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Court Victim Advocate• Principal duties of the Court Advocate include:

• Attending court sessions and assisting in providing crime victims with information regarding victim's rights.

• Assisting in notification procedures for victims.

• Working as a liaison between victims, social services, and government agencies.

• Assisting victims of domestic violence with victim compensation forms.


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Court Victim Advocate• Principal duties of the Court Advocate continued:

• Assisting in documenting data of victim contacts/notices, recording court dispositions, and maintaining data for monthly and yearly reports.

• Responding to requests for information from officials, employees, other staff members, or the public.

• Preparing grant/funding proposals and statistical reports.

• Serving as a resource to subordinate personnel.


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Court Victim AdvocateThe requirements for education and skills include:

• BS/BA Degree in Psychology or Social Work.

• 5+ years in similar position or sufficient experience to perform principal duties and responsibilities, usually associated with completion of apprenticeship/internship.

• Considerable knowledge of laws pertaining to misdemeanors and victims’ advocacy.


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Court Victim AdvocateThe requirements for education and skills include:

• Familiarity with County and departmental rules and regulations and the criminal justice system.

• Proficiency in implementing program activities, interpersonal relations, public speaking, and time management.

• This position pays a salary between $31,283 and $49,783


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The Private Sector

• There are also opportunities to work at private shelters and victim service facilities.

• These agencies are connected to the overall network of victim services throughout their state.

• The majority are non-profit agencies who receive funding from the government and numerous private partners.

• One such facility is Harbor House in New Philadelphia, Ohio, which is a domestic violence shelter and substance abuse halfway house.


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The Private Sector

• Harbor House is dedicated to serving both victims of domestic violence and their children, as well as women who are recovering from substance abuse. • Harbor House has a position for Residential Advocate who provides direct client support by monitoring the household and supervising client’s activities in addition to crisis intervention.

• The RA helps clients adjust to shared family living


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The Private Sector

• The RA monitors medications, completes necessary paperwork, answers the crisis line and assesses caller’s appropriateness for admission into the program.

• As an RA you need an Associate’s degree or enrollment in college with major in sociology, psychology, or criminal justice (or related field) and 12 hours of course work in major field, or have work or life experience.

• Four months to one year of applicable employment experience in a residential facility is strongly preferred


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The Private Sector• There is a position of Sexual Assault/Abuse Advocate at the Nord Center in Lorain, Ohio.

• This is a full time position that reports to the Child Advocacy Center or LCRC Coordinator.

• This position has the general responsibility for providing direct services to survivors and secondary survivors of sexual assault and abuse.

• This includes during exams, forensic interviews, scheduled appointments, and the 24-hour hotline and on-call schedule.


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The Private Sector• This position is responsible for providing services that meet the needs of survivors, constituents, and the community in compliance with program standards

• The minimum requirements for this position in Ohio include a Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field.

• An Associate’s degree in social work or related field may be considered with previous work experience working with children and adults who have experienced sexual assault and abuse.


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The Private Sector• You would need to be able to work well under pressure and demonstrate good time management and organizational skills for this position.

• Certification through the Ohio Advocate Network is preferred.

• Previous crisis intervention and diversity training is desired.

• The necessity for travel requires that the employee possess a valid driver’s license, have proof of automobile insurance, and use of a personal vehicle.


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The Private Sector• Hospitals also employ victim services personnel.

• White Plains Hospital in New York has a position for a Clinical Social Worker.

• The Clinical Social Worker provides social work services to patients and families including obtaining, analyzing, and evaluating data relating to medical psycho-social programs.


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The Private Sector

• The CSW formulates and carries out treatment plans,

initiates and follows through in a cooperative effort with

other members of the home care interdisciplinary teams to

enable patients to be maintained safely in the community or

discharged to an appropriate facility.


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The Private Sector

The CSW requirements for education and skills include:

• Master of Social Work Degree from a School of Social Work accredited by the Council of Social work Education.

• Licensed Social Worker (LMSW/LCSW) approved by the State Education Department of the University of the State of New York.

• Two years experience in an acute care hospital setting or related setting


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The Private Sector• The Grady Health System in Atlanta, Georgia has a position for Victim/Witness Advocate.

• The VWA works directly with sexually assaulted patients primarily in the emergency room, Women's Urgent Care Center, and the Rape Crisis Center.

• The VWA works closely with the center's manager to coordinate services to victims in the hospital and in the courtroom, serves as liaison with police, court, and DA regarding sexual assault case management, and provides community education.


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The Private Sector• The qualifications for the position of VWA are a Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, criminal justice or related area, and a minimum of one year related experience.

• For this job you must have skills and experience to work effectively with the police, court, community agencies, hospital staff, volunteers, center staff, patients and their families.

• You must be able to handle stress and problem solve.


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• At any given time you can find 200-300 job openings (on-line) for advocate type positions around the country.

• Regardless of the state you live in, there are an abundance of volunteer opportunities, internships, and paid positions.

• Common requirements for a paid position are education and experience.

• Often the education preferences fall in the area of sociology, psychology, and criminal justice.


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• It is easy to tell yourself you are too busy to squeeze in any time to volunteer somewhere.

• It is sometimes just a matter of priorities.

• The key is to search out openings and grab the first opportunities that come along.

• The first agency you volunteer for is another step on the ladder and another bullet on the resume.

• You can keep looking for new and better breaks while you are doing your best where you are.


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• If you are currently enrolled in criminal justice as your major, consider psychology or sociology as your minor.

• These branches can open up more doors than just criminal justice alone.

• As you saw with some of the job descriptions in this chapter, it is often necessary to have some knowledge of criminal justice as well as victimology or social work.

• Having a duel plan may bump you ahead of others for internships as well.


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• A remarkable Master’s Degree that is relevant for all social work is Community Counseling.

• This is a difficult 60-hour program with a 600 hour internship obligation.

• With this Master’s Degree you can test to become nationally certified as a counselor.

• You may decide to go on and become licensed, but just the degree and certification will satisfy requirements for almost any social work position.


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Diversity in Victims’ Services

• Naturally, victims’ services is a women’s ambit.

• Fortunately, it is adequately represented by minorities as well.

• Although rare for most professions, the labor force and supervision in social work is predominantly women.

• Is there a place for men in this type of work? Absolutely! Especially in the area of domestic violence believe it or not.


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Diversity in Victims’ Services • An important goal of intervention/counseling is to empower the victims.

• Many women suffer years of brainwashing by their male counterpart.

• By combining a male counselor with a female counselor, it opens up an opportunity for the male to model proper relational etiquette.

• Albeit not necessary, males can assist skilled female counselors in restoring hope to battered, defeated survivors.


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Diversity in Victims’ Services • It is refreshing to women when men join the battle to advocate for women’s rights.

• There are “Men against Violence against Women” organizations all over the country.

• Trained male officers and detectives working in areas such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and crimes against children can also make a huge impact on victims’ road to recovery.


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Diversity in Victims’ Services • It is refreshing to women when men join the battle to advocate for women’s rights.

• There are “Men against Violence against Women” organizations all over the country.

• Trained male officers and detectives working in areas such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and crimes against children can also make a huge impact on victims’ road to recovery.


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Diversity in Victims’ Services • In some parts of the U.S., particularly in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, there is an extra need for Hispanic and American Indian organizations and advocates.

• Victimization is especially prevalent for illegal aliens, and much of the Indian communities are under-represented.

• The Arizona Governor’s Office spends millions of dollars annually to support domestic violence and sexual assault prevention programs.


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Diversity in Victims’ Services

• Some grants are specifically for improving services in under-represented communities.

• Spanish speaking is a valuable asset for those who choose victim services as their career.


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Discussion Questions

1.Why did it take legislation like the Crime Victim’s Rights Act of 2004 before police departments and courts improved their treatment of victims of domestic violence?

2. What are some pros and cons of grant funded positions?

3.What are some pros and cons to having males involved in victim services?

4.Should all officers get mandatory training in the academy by victim services specialists? Should they receive more in-service training after the academy? Explain!

Documents

Chapter 6: Victim Services