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Susan Parmalee. Graduated from FSU with Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology in 1987 Volunteer/Staff member for Big Bend 211 Mental Health Technician at Crisis Stabilization Unit Counselor at Domestic Violence Shelter
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Susan Parmalee • Graduated from FSU with Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology 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 General’s Office and State Attorney • Involved in victim advocacy for over 20 years
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.
ADVOCATE AGENCIES • First responder: Law enforcement DV shelter Child Abuse Center • Legal: State Attorney’s Office Attorney General’s Office U.S. Attorney’s Office Federal Bureau of Investigation Guardian Ad Litem Courthouse Injunction Assistance
ADVOCATE AGENCIES • Post Conviction: Department of Corrections Parole Commission • Other: Children’s Home Society Agency for Persons with Disabilities Universities/Colleges MADD Tallahassee Urban League Governor’s Office
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
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
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
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
EDUCATION/TRAINING/SALARY • Bachelor’s 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 • $30,000 – $50,000
SUSAN PARMALEE Office of the State Attorney Victim/Witness Unit Second Judicial Circuit (850) 606-6115 http://www.sao2fl.org Click Victim/Witness tab