Part of an ongoing series for WGA’s focus area: Addressing Violence Against Women and Girls
Victim advocates are the heart and soul of local domestic violence centers. On that first hotline call for help, a survivor will hear a kind voice on the other end asking if she’s safe to talk. The victim advocate and the survivor will discuss how she can stay safe at home, work, and school. They will discuss options for shelter, or for other services if shelter is not needed. When she arrives at the shelter or another location, the survivor and her advocate will work on the survivor’s plans for the future. Her advocate will connect her with resources and be part of her journey to safety and healing.
The connection between a survivor and her victim advocate is often a strong one. The advocate creates a safe space — both physically and emotionally — a space where the survivor can share her story, both the good and the hard-to-believe. The victim advocate might be the first person that validates her (but at our local domestic violence centers, she won’t be the last). Together, they dream and plan for a life where the survivor and her kids will be safe and will thrive.
As we raise awareness in October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we hear from Yadelmi, Telecia, Karen, and Natashia, four front-line heroes from Betty Griffin Center (St. Johns), Hubbard House (Duval and Baker), Micah’s Place (Nassau), and Quigley House (Clay).*
What does it mean to be a victim advocate?
There are many different types of victim advocates. Some focus on the survivor journey, and others dedicate their time to specific programs like court advocacy, economic justice, or children. Telecia and Natashia work in residential shelters that temporarily house survivors of domestic violence (and their children), and their focus is adult survivors. Karen also works in a shelter, but her focus is children. Yadelmi works as a victim advocate in an economic justice program, focusing on providing career assistance and advancing financial stability. Each of these roles is crucial to a comprehensive system of survivor support.
Survivors meet their victim advocates at some of the darkest points of their lives. We know they can work in easier jobs — so we asked why the advocates chose this one.
For many the work is deeply personal, and they feel called to be right where they are. Karen, Micah’s Place, said, “It was God placing me in the right place at the right time to do the right thing for people and families in need within my community. I love what I do!” Natashia, Quigley House, also felt that God brought her to this work. She said, “This is not only personal to me, but spiritual. I am a survivor of domestic violence and sexual abuse.”
Telecia, Hubbard House, said, “I choose to work in the domestic violence sector because of a deep-seated desire to help others, and to create a safe and just society. Many [victim advocates] are motivated by a powerful sense of purpose and the meaningful impact they can have on an individual life.” Indeed, this altruistic sentiment is expressed by others working on the front lines with domestic violence victims. Yadelmi, Betty Griffin Center, expressed, “There are easier jobs, but few that allow you to witness someone go from surviving to thriving because they finally have the tools to support themselves and their families.”
What do they want you to know about their work?
Your local victim advocates want you to know that they are here to support survivors and the greater community. Natashia wants you to know more about the work they do so you can share it with everyone in need. Karen wants you to know that the four centers are a safe place for everyone. Indeed, Telecia says, “everything is confidential, and we meet the clients where they are. Their goals are their own and not ours. We become a GPS system to guide them.”
Yadelmi wants “the community to know that our work as advocates goes far beyond crisis response; our job is about developing long-term stability. One of the most powerful ways we support survivors/victims is by helping them achieve financial independence…Advocates empower, not just provide support.”
There are many ways for WGA Members to further engage and support the work of victim advocates like Yadelmi, Telecia, Natashia, and Karen. To learn more, click on the certified domestic violence center websites and share their hotlines with those you know. You might just save a life!
Northeast Florida 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotlines:
Betty Griffin Center (St. Johns): (904) 824-1555
Hubbard House (Duval, Baker): (904) 354-3114
Micah’s Place (Nassau): (904) 225-9979
Quigley House (Clay): (904) 284-0061
*For the safety of the victim advocates, their last names have been removed.