Advocacy as a Career
TRUE or FALSE: Every police department in the U.S. has their own, in-house, victim advocates.
False! Some communities only have non-profits, or minimal court advocates, if nay.
TRUE or FALSE: Advocates are the experts on victim/survivors experiences.
FALSE! Victims/Survivors are the expert in their own story and get to decide what is best for them!
TRUE or FALSE: All 50 states have the same Victims' Bill of Rights?
FALSE! Every state has their own.
TRUE OR FALSE: Crisis is self-defined
TRUE! It is not the event itself that determines if something id s crisis, but the person's experience of the event.
TRUE or FALSE: Most victims/survivor are assaulted by someone they know.
TRUE.
Do advocates have to be certified counselors?
No. They can be, but it is not required.
Name 2 items an advocate normally has with them...
tissues, water, fidgets, paper/pen etc.
TRUE or FALSE: In Nebraska, it is a victim's RIGHT to have an advocate present in an interview with law enforcement, prosecutors, or defense attorneys.
TRUE! Victims do have the right to have an advocate present in these interviews/meetings. Additionally, victims can have an advocate with them for a forensic exam.
TRUE or FALSE: It is important that during a crisis an advocate asks for as many details as possible.
FALSE! Advocates do not need every details to do crisis intervention work.
What does SAAM stand for?
Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Name one place an advocate may work other than a college campus--
- criminal court
- police department
- prosecutor's office
- social services office
- hospitals
- nonprofit org
Name 1 verbal communication skill an advocate may use--
Parroting, Reflecting, Validating/Normalizing, Open/Closed Questions, Making an observation, Identify a reaction/emotion, Paraphrasing etc.
Finish the statement: In Nebraska, Victims have the right to attend the entirety of their cases trial unless...
the trial court finds sequestration (the act of removing) necessary for a fair trial for the defendant
Name 1 basic need an advocate should consider when responding on scene to a victim/survivor
- do they need medical attention?
- water?
- are they okay in the physical space?
TRUE or FALSE: At UNL, a report must be made in order to access supportive services on campus, such as CARE.
False! CARE is available to individuals who have been impacted by power-based violence whether or not they choose to report.
Provide one example for where/how someone interested in becoming a victim advocate would consider first gaining experience
- becoming a peer educator!
- volunteering at CARE
- volunteer or intern: at a pd, voices of hope, friendship home, a court or prosecutors office, CASA, a child advocacy center
etc.
Advocates try to "give power" back to victims and survivors: what is one way you think an advocate may do this while building rapport?
- ask them what they would like to be called
- ask to sit or stand near them or enter their space
- ask them if they would like to talk elsewhere
- ask how they want to refer to the other party
etc...
What are the three types of reports a victim of sexual assault can make?
2. a partial report
3. an anonymous report
You respond on scene immediately after a SA. The survivor/victim is still considering a forensic exam. What is one IMPORTANT piece of information they should know?
- should not drink water, eat, brush teeth etc.
- try to avoid showering
- save the clothes
- advocate can be present
- normally forensic exams are completed by day 3-5 post experience. (depending on the location)
What is a SANE?
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
What is the average salary for a victim advocate in Nebraska? Nationally?
$55,422
$60,627
(per zip recruiter)
PRACTICE! Turn one of the a following statement into an open ended question
Do you have a pet? When was your last vacation? Do you have siblings?
What is a Victim Impact Statement and at what hearing can it be presented?
Victim impact statements describe the emotional, physical, and financial impact you and others have suffered as a direct result of the crime. Victim impact statements can be either written or oral statements and can be presented at sentencing hearings.
Name 1 hormone that may be activated as a physiological response to crisis--
Epinephrine (Adrenaline)
Cortisol
Oxytocin
PRACTICE! A friend discloses that they previously experienced sexual violence. What is one phrase you could say to them?
- I believe you. Thank you for telling me.
- I am so sorry this happened.
- I believe you.
- Whatever you decide to do, I will support you.
etc.