Missed the first or second part in this three-part series? Please visit Domestic Violence Advocacy: Why It Doesn’t Work . Also, visit, Why Cross-Training Victim Advocates Increase Domestic Violence . In the first part, we looked at the real-life meaning of victim services and child welfare. Also, we looked at some of the common fallacies. In this second part, we turn our focus to victim advocates. And we also explore the idea of co-located advocacy.
What is Co-Located Advocacy?
The idea of co-located advocacy isn’t one on which everyone agrees. Two different roles represent “Co-Located Advocate” in Colorado. And that’s likely true elsewhere. The first is an advocate who gets clients from child welfare caseworkers. They believe domestic violence exists in the family with whom they work. The advocate offers clients resources, attends meetings, and supports the family. Also, they always remain victim-centered in their view. This person may advocate for the victim to others, but only if they have a release. In addition, this person gets trained in child welfare. And they work with other systems to partner for the victim’s benefit. Finally, they’re unlike the traditional victim advocate mentioned.
The second role titled “Co-Located Advocate,” is a consultant or liaison. This person asks an advocate to meet with caseworkers. In turn, they decide on a case of domestic violence. Also, they offer resources for the caseworker. Those get given to the client to assist with understanding the situation. They also advocate for a victim-centered approach. Training for this role often happens in one-on-one settings. But, it also gets combined with larger group training to meet the needs of many. Of course, the best training happens in teams. For instance, consider intake, permanency, and parenting coaches. Of course, the training has to best fit the roles of the victim advocates.
How Victim Advocates Works—In an Ideal World
In an ideal world, an agency has access to both types of “Co-Located Advocates.” And they also have a community agency with whom they work. Each county has a victim service agency where most victims in that area get referred. The direct service advocate and the liaison both play important roles. Moreover, they’re vital as child welfare transitions into a new phase in understanding. In other words, the old ideas of child welfare and domestic violence no longer hold true.
I stepped away from my role, as many community advocates do. In my system-based advocacy position, I gained wisdom. In other words, I saw the bigger picture. The system we have is currently not as strong as we would like. But, I have deep faith that our victim support systems will strengthen over time. And they’ll do so with the right cross-training and system collaboration. This step will reduce the number of victims that slip through the cracks. And that makes my victim advocate heart much happier.
