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Susan Parmalee

Susan Parmalee. Graduated from FSU with Bachelor of Science Degree 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

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Susan Parmalee

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  1. Susan Parmalee • Graduated from FSU with Bachelor of Science Degree 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 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. 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 • $25,000 – $45,000

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. ADVOCATE CREED • We are here to listen…not to work miracles. • We are here to help people discover what they are feeling...not to make feelings go away. • We are here to help people identify their options…not to decide for them what they should do. • We are here to discuss steps with people…not take the steps for them. • We are here to provide support for CHANGE.

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