Melissa Roberge and Amanda Jensen recently
completed the requirements for the Professional
Certificate in Victim Assistance: Critical Analysis
issued by the Joint Center on Violence and Victim
Studies. Roberge is with the New Mexico Victims'
Rights Project. She completed an analysis paper and
presentation on Barriers for the Disposal of
Emergency Funds to Crime Victims, which
focused on the policy and practice impediments that
victims face as they vie for emergency funds. "The
research I had to do to complete my paper and
presentation really expanded my knowledge of the
history and current set-up of government
organizations that are available to assist crime
victims" said Roberge. "I am very pleased that my
Executive Director was able to find such a rigorous
advocate program from which I could earn my
Professional Certificate. I found this program
challenged my abilities and forced me to reach for a
higher standard of professionalism as a Victim
Advocate, which I will carry with me into the
field."
Amanda Jensen is with the Payne
County (Oklahoma) District Attorney's Office. Her
analysis paper, Re-victimization of Victims by the
Criminal Justice System: From the Perspective of a
Prosecutor-based Advocate, identifies specific
recommendations for reducing the negative impact
the criminal justice system may have on victims.
Jensen shared "The program was very challenging
and beneficial to the services that I provide to
victims. I would certainly recommend this program to
any professional that comes into contact with crime
victims. It really helps a person to reflect on the
services that they provide and further, to see where
and what improvements can be made within those
services."
A complete listing of all individuals
who have been awarded the certificate by the Joint
Center on Violence and Victim Studies can be found
on the web page.
The next Critical
Analysis
of Victim Assistance course will be held at California
State University, Fresno, March 28-31,
2006.
For complete information or to
register, visit the course web page or call toll
free,
1-800-910-4308.
