Gail McNeal-DeVilling has worked as a victim advocate for several years. Her background is in nursing, and she is certified as an advanced victim services practitioner.
"This practitioner designation was developed to try to have all advocates on the same page in their role in victim services," she says.
A personal tragedy led her to become a victim advocate. "My son committed suicide in 1995, at the age of 16. I was in nursing school and decided I could not continue under the emotional stress."
The sheriff and chief deputy, whom she had known for years, came to her home and asked if she'd consider working as a victim advocate for the sheriff's office.
"I put it aside for eight months," says McNeal-DeVilling, "then rode with the medical examiner for a few months to see if I could handle it."
Now, she says, "[I] love it."
This is not an easy job. One of her most difficult experiences was during an emergency room visit on a homicide case. "I walked into the trauma room and looked at the young man who had been shot. They were still working on him."
She then went to the family room to be with the family. "I knocked on the door and opened it slightly. The dad was on the phone, and when he turned around, I knew him." He was someone that she and her husband had gone to school with. It was devastating to personally know the family.
The young man's girlfriend had also been shot, but she survived. "Her ex-boyfriend shot them," says McNeal-DeVilling. "I had to be the go-between for the emergency room, doctors and the family. I was the one who told the dad that his son died. It was a long night. It was his only child."
However, the job is not without its rewards. McNeal-DeVilling says she enjoys helping someone get through difficult times. "At the time of crisis, they are lost and have [no clue] as to what to do next. I can be there for support and also help with extensive paperwork and decisions. If I can help one person in this way, it makes my heart a little lighter."
To be effective in this field, McNeal-DeVilling says you need "a strong stomach, tough skin, a kind heart, intelligence, compassion, sympathy and empathy."
You must also be non-judgmental, non-biased and be able to communicate with victims, survivors, law enforcement and medical personnel.
Gary Rosenfeldt is the executive director of Victims of Violence. A personal tragedy led him to this field. His son was murdered by a serial killer.
"Although it is sometimes difficult meeting with families of homicide shortly after the death of a loved one, it is also one of the most rewarding aspects of my work, being able to assist families throughout the criminal justice process," says Rosenfeldt.
His group helps families in any way possible, from cleaning up a crime scene to helping them cope with court proceedings.
"The most difficult times over the years have been to work with families that see no end to their cases, to see the despair of victims when there is no resolution to their case," he says.
Some advocates were victims themselves, but not all. "One does not have to be a victim to become a good victim advocate," says Rosenfeldt. "Many individuals that I have known over the years have begun with a sincere interest in victims and have gone on to a very successful career in the field."
For example, one young man, a law student, started as a volunteer with Rosenfeldt's organization about eight years ago. He had a strong desire to get involved in victim issues.
"He worked as a volunteer for about two years, and then I eventually hired him to work in our research department. He left our office about five years ago."
This young man is now known for his dedicated work as a victim advocate.
Rosenfeldt recommends a background in law and the criminal justice process for those interested in providing services to crime victims. "Many students have come to us wanting to become service workers and are currently studying criminology or sociology," he says.
"These studies can be helpful, but one must remember that most victims are totally unaware of the criminal justice system, and that they come to us seeking information."
He also recommends volunteer work for anyone interested in this field. "Most communities today have some form of victim service program in the courts or their local police service. If they do not have one available, it is not difficult to start one."
He suggests going to the local courthouse to meet with prosecutors and court officials. "Set up a coffee machine in the courthouse and reach out to victims as they come out of the courts."