Live from Tormville!: The other thing I almost do

I am a Victim Service Advocate.

It's not a title that I feel I've completely earned yet. It's not something that I've shared out to very many people. I have told the people that live under the same roof, as that seems somewhat warranted being that the on call lifestyle will affect the way we do things. I know for a fact my neighbors and even some of my extended family are learning this for the first time if they are reading this post.

Let me start by sharing a little timeline.

Fall 2018 - I went through the Citizen's Academy at the Sheriff's Office. It was during that time that I learned about the Victim Services Unit. While many counties have had their units for 12-20+ years - we, in Livingston County, are just starting ours. During the class in which it was brought up, I instantly got those goosebumps and that all encompassing feeling that this is my next chapter. There was (is) no doubt in my mind.
I applied
August 2019 - I was interviewed by the Undersheriff, the Lieutenant and the Administrative Secretary.
September 2019 - I was taken on as a Victim Service Advocate and began attending the required bi-monthly training meetings.
January 2020 - I attended the mandatory three day training up in Petoskey, a training required to go out on calls.
March 11, 2020 - I attended a bi-monthly meeting and got the go ahead to start carrying my on call bag/uniform. I headed straight from that meeting over to what was going to be the last basketball game of the season.
March 12, 2020 - morning - I hung my uniform and go bag in my car before going to work
March 12, 2020 - evening - all units, statewide, were put on hold

It's been a long year. It's been a frustrating year, hearing calls and and knowing of calls and situations where my training could be helpful, but not being cleared to go. I've continued with my required continuing education hours (12 CE's a year), and went on a lot of walks and took a lot of photographs. Taking pictures has been my way of keeping my mind off what else I could/should be doing.

This past week I had a five hour meeting at the Sheriff's Office. During that meeting we discussed our roles, organized materials and began preparing for when we will starting going on call outs. (June 4th)

During that meeting we discussed what my tasks will be beyond going on calls. As one of three leads, one of my roles will be finding ways to recruit and build our unit (the reason for this post), logging CE hours, and making sure our advocates are aware of trainings and requirements.

A little about the role itself.

As a Victim Service Advocate, we are with the victims of tragedies during their very worst moments. We are in homes and at crime scenes and suicides when the news is fresh and the feelings are still very very raw. Our job is to be with the victim, helping them in whatever way is needed and walking them through the steps of what is happening. By being there and doing this we are freeing up law enforcement to focus on their jobs. I'm aware that I will be seeing things that I will never be able to unsee, and - as we are taught in our trainings - that it is very possible that I could be comforting a suspect of a crime. It is also very possible that I may unexpectedly find myself at a scene of someone I know.

I'm going into this with eyes wide open, and we have all the help tools in place to assist in the processing of these situations. I believe in the system, and have told those closest to me to monitor me - to let me know if I begin to lose my humor or if the light goes out of my eyes. Keep me in check and remember me in your prayers.

With all my heart, I feel the rewards are worth it.

The other reason that I share with you now, is because I need you to know that if - God forbid - I happen to end up in your home as a Victim Service Advocate - whatever is learned and/or shared there is completely and one hundred percent confidential. What happens there is only between the team (advocates always go out in pairs) and the victim(s). Period. If someone asks me if I was at a particular scene, I will neither confirm or deny, but remind them that my job is confidential.

In many ways, I feel like my training as both a parapro and an office clerk has better prepared me for this chosen path. As a parapro, we quickly learn not to take things personally, and as school office staff we practice confidentiality daily. Likewise, the training that I've had as a Victim Service Advocate has given me tools that I use in my job at the school.

Add to that, my being gifted with the skills and opportunity to take pictures at school is my go to stress relief. Other people may exercise, but me - I take pictures. While those volunteer hours may be fewer than they are this year, and it's quite possible I could be called away from the game right before the final buzzer - I hope to always continue my role as photographer for yearbook and the Communications Department. It's my sanity check. Besides, I'm already getting excited for Friday night football. And band. And basketball. And and and and......

I have the best of all worlds.

In closing, if you feel like this might be something that you could do or that you are meant to do, let me know and I'll put you in touch with the right people.

Be Good. Be Safe.