How to become A Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate

• Domestic Violence (DV) Victim Advocate
• Domestic Violence (DV) Advocate
• Intimate Partner Violence Advocate
• Community-Based Domestic Violence (DV) Advocate

What do Domestic Violence Shelter Advocates do?

A Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate  would typically need to:

• Provide advocacy, counselling, crisis-intervention information, safety planning, support referrals, and related services to shelter residents who are victims of DV
• Provide crisis intervention services, such as answering emergency hotline and business  lines
• Welcome and screen DV survivors for admittance to the shelter; complete intake, orientation, and exit procedures, as required
• Offer culturally appropriate, survivor-driven, and flexible services driven by an anti-oppressive lens and tailored to each individual survivor’s needs and priorities
• Integrate trauma-informed and client-centred approaches and harm reduction models of services
• Empower the residents to make safe and constructive choices for themselves and their families; develop safety plans geared towards individual needs
• Monitor shelter activities to maintain a safe and supportive atmosphere that encourages adherence to organisational guidelines
• Undertake a walk-through of all units to confirm that residents have completed their assigned chores properly and signed off on resident chore sheets
• Model non-violent conflict resolution while addressing issues or challenges faced by the residents; issue warnings and exit notices, if necessary
• Respond to residents’ requests for assistance or supplies needed from the office/storage areas; ensure all shared areas in the shelter remain clean and tidy  
• Set alarms to maintain overnight shelter safety and security; establish quiet hours throughout the shelter
• Assist residents with protective/restraining orders and other legal matters; arrange for emergency medical services or law enforcement services
• Offer appropriate support to residents with children and connect the latter with resources that promote healing and resilience
• Providing emergency financial assistance and housing assistance; provide or arrange transportation for shelter residents to essential appointments
• Make appropriate assessments and referrals to agencies and services within the community
• Work closely with other members of the shelter services team; keep lines of communication open
• Attend regular supervision and shelter team meetings, monthly all-staff meetings, and other meetings, as required 
• Share case management responsibilities with other shelter advocates; ensure consistent client/advocate and staff/staff boundaries
• Consult on-call staff in handling emergencies and issues related to adults and children living at the shelter
• Assist in fundraising and community awareness activities; attend seminars, training programmes and community events
• Develop and facilitate support groups and house meetings; manage volunteers and social work students on placement within the shelter
• Communicate with all callers, shelter residents, and staff in a respectful and non-discriminatory fashion
• Enter and update all relevant shelter paper work in a timely, accurate, objective and confidential manner
• Enter pertinent information into county, state, and agency databases; assist management with special projects and tasks as assigned
• Conduct all tasks in strict adherence to the policies and procedures of the shelter and the agency

Domestic Violence Shelter Advocates work primarily inside their assigned shelter. They may spend a lot of time at their desk and use office equipment, including phones and computer keyboards. 

Travel may be required to visit community partners, attend events representing the shelter, and help the shelter residents keep essential appointments.

Full-time Domestic Violence Shelter Advocates may have varying schedules but typically work 40 hours/week, Monday through Friday, in eight-hour shifts.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Domestic Violence Shelter Advocates can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Domestic Violence Shelter Advocates are generally employed by:

• Non-Profit Organisations
• Government Agencies

Professional associations and organisations, such as The Alliance for HOPE International, are crucial for Domestic Violence Shelter Advocates interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Secondary traumatic stress from hearing about the residents’ experiences of abuse
• Need to maintain confidentiality and remain objective while providing appropriate support
• Ability to manage the crisis effectively and access resources on time
• Acceptance that residents may choose to return to abusive situations
• Facilitating positive empowerment and enforcing rules to mitigate flare-up of hostile situations
• Frustration and burnout from an inability to bring about macro-level change in the field of domestic violence

One of the best introductions to this career is to vol­unteer at a local domestic violence shelter, so you can hone your sensitivity to the unique concerns faced by domestic and sexual violence survivors and learn optimal ways to promote healing from experiences of domestic and sexual violence.

Working with a diverse range of clients in various cultural settings gives you a better understanding of different behaviours, situations, and problems you may encounter as a Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate. It helps you provide culturally inclusive services that utilise trauma-informed client engagement and advocacy practices.

You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments. 

Employers may prefer candidates who have worked for at least two years as an advocate or with individuals and families in crisis, especially in a residential setting; such employees can make wise decisions and exercise sound judgment without immediate supervision or clear guidelines. 

Direct service advocacy, case management experience, and experience in developing and facilitating emotional support groups will promote your problem-solving and crisis-intervention skills. They will also teach you the importance of effective written and verbal communication, initiative and collaboration, and strict confidentiality of client and agency information.

Additional experience navigating service systems, including housing, mental health, medical, legal, and school systems, would further enhance your position in the job market. 

Some employers may offer weeks- or months-long pre-service training to selected candidates to familiarise them with their job and learn about the organisation’s policies and procedures as well as the community resources available to DV survivors. 

Read about the profession and interview/shadow experts in domestic violence advocacy to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

It is possible to become a Domestic Violence (DV) Shelter Advocate with a high school diploma or GED (General Education Development); you just need the initiative to learn and enhance skills that promote equity and an understanding of oppression about domestic violence. 

However, most incumbents have a bachelor’s degree in youth/community/social work, psychology, social care, criminal justice, health, education, sociology, or human services. At the same time, a small percentage hold an associate or a master’s degree in those fields.

You can obtain online certificates in safety planning, trauma response, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, advocacy services, and effective legal office administration to understand better domestic violence and the challenges that impact its survivors.

A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Accredited certification in Microsoft Suite, basic data entry, Internet-based applications, relevant foreign languages and non-violent crisis intervention training from an objective and reputed organisation can help aspiring Domestic Violence Shelter Advocates stand out in a competitive job market.

Documented evidence of DV advocacy-based training will further help you get your chosen job. Employers may be willing to accept your application if you can prove that you are in the process of acquiring the certification or open to taking the course from a certified DV advocacy-based organisation.

Some employers may mandate additional certification in battered women’s counselling.

You will need a valid driver’s licence acceptable to the insurance provider. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination, and relevant education and experience.

Applicants may also need to undergo an employment background check that can include but is not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), medical history, use of social media, and drug screening. You will be specially screened for disqualifying criminal history and sex offender convictions.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Domestic Violence Shelter Advocates who can become Case Manager, Shelter Manager, Associate Director, and eventually Executive Director.

You can advance your career by becoming involved in public relations and marketing and work to raise awareness of domestic violence and the needs of victims while promoting the programs and services available to help domestic violence survivors.

Forward-looking DV shelter advocates may choose to work for nonprofits or government agencies that provide services to victims of domestic violence and get involved with fundraising. 

You could also opt for a career focused on training law enforcement officials and social workers who help victims of domestic violence. Others seek to develop community outreach and teach appropriate educational programmes to the general public.

Non-discriminating individuals with a clear understanding of oppression concerning domestic violence, a bachelor’s degree in youth/community/social work, an accredited certification in domestic violence advocacy, and relevant work experience have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Domestic Shelter Violence Advocate build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

Maintain your ability to remain updated on current technology systems, learn new ones and implement them within your scope of responsibilities. Stay abreast of the latest research and best practices by reading journals and articles, attending conferences and workshops, and networking with other professionals in your field.

“An Exercise in Empathy”

As a UN advocate of human rights, Samantha Powers summed it up in a concise statement. Advocacy is an exercise in empathy. Every Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate who is steadfastly empathetic and has excellent communication skills, effective listening skills, essential time management skills, and fundamental problem-solving skills can bring about the necessary change, one survivor at a time.

Trends to Focus on

Dynamic Domestic Violence Shelter Advocates must focus on the latest prevention techniques, such as educating the general public about healthy relationships and teaching them how to recognise the signs of abuse. 

You must become familiar with the current local law enforcement laws and procedures, so you can collaborate with the appropriate authorities and provide better services to the victims of domestic violence.

The cultural competency to appreciate and work with people from different cultural backgrounds, whether the victims or law enforcement officials, will make for more effective communication and better resolution of issues.

Around 25% of women worldwide experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Women between 20 to 24 years are most likely to become victims of domestic violence.

A courageous and innovative Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate is one of the principal reasons why a domestic violence survivor finds a sense of community and empowerment and can create a proactive support system.

Speak out publicly against domestic violence, so you can be a part of the proactive community that challenges traditional attitudes toward domestic violence and renders it a crime.