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Career Path in Victim Advocacy: Insights from Susan Parmalee

Discover the impactful journey of Susan Parmalee, a dedicated victim advocate with over 20 years of experience. Graduating from FSU with a B.S. in Psychology in 1987, Susan has held various roles, including Mental Health Technician and Counselor in domestic violence shelters. She actively supports victims by providing crisis intervention, legal assistance, and emotional support to aid in their recovery. Learn about the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of a career in victim advocacy, as well as essential educational requirements for aspiring advocates.

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Career Path in Victim Advocacy: Insights from Susan Parmalee

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  1. 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

  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. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. SUSAN PARMALEE Office of the State Attorney Victim/Witness Unit Second Judicial Circuit (850) 606-6115 http://www.sao2fl.org Click Victim/Witness tab

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