Description
Violence prevention is a diverse field that aims to help advocate for victims. Advocacy can come in many different forms, including but not limited to raising awareness, research, developing methods to reduce violence based on evidence, non-profit management, supportive program development, and direct support.
Violence against children has been defined as “all forms of physical, mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse” by the Secretary-General's Global Study on violence against children.
Violence against women can take many forms, primarily or exclusively committed against women or girls. Domestic violence, sexual assault, and other gender based violence are examples of violent acts committed against women.
Listed below are some jobs that work within this field.
- Government Abuse Investigator
- Child Psychologist
- Pediatric Abuse Specialist
- Occupational Therapist
- Law Enforcement
- Court Advocate
- Social Worker
- Shelter Coordinators
- Educator
- Program Coordinator
- Therapist
- Bilingual Community Educators
- Grant Managers
- Policy Specialists
Collection
Education
College Degree in Human Services
- Education
- Sociology
- Criminology
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Social Justice
Experience
Apart from seeking a job in violence prevention and victim advocacy, there are a few prerequisites you need to fulfill. It is important to be able to pass state and federal background checks. It can also be relevant to possess a valid drivers license, and the ability to drive. Most positions are looking for one or more years of experience in the field.
As a University of Iowa undergraduate student interested in the field of violence prevention field, how does one pursue this career?
Volunteer Work
Experience is valuable and volunteering is a great way to go. In Iowa City, you can look at DVIP, RVAP, and WRAC for volunteer opportunities.
Some of the opportunities for students or community members at WRAC has been described by the Assistant Director as bystander awareness training, advocacy for sexual violence and gender-based violence or harm, leadership skills development, and networking meetings for specifically women of color.
Listed below are some awareness months that can also be promoted.
- January- National Stalking Awareness Month
- February- Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
- April- Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Courses to Consider
- Any language course. There is a high demand for Bilingual Advocates.
- GWSS:2000 Desire, Consent, and Sex in U.S. Culture(s): Replacing Coercion and Violence with Respect
- SJUS:3400 OR GWSS:3400 Advocacy and Engagement Colloquium
- GWSS:3425 Women, Crime, and Justice
- GWSS 3326 The Politics of Progress: NGOs, Development and Sexuality.
- ANTH2102 Anthropology of Marriage and Family
- ANTH 3300 Mothers and Motherhood.
- ANTH 2190 Law and the Family across Cultures.
Certificates/Minors to Consider
Student Organizations to Join
- AAUW at Iowa
- Anti-Trafficking Initiative
- CommUnity on Campus
- EQUAL Meds
- Journal of Gender, Race, and Justice
- LGBT+ Advocates for Public Health Equity
- SistaSpeak
- Student Advocates for Planned Parenthood
- Trans Alliance - UI
Here are some examples of companies that you could look into when finding a job or internship.
Local (Iowa City)
- DVIP—Social Justice and Nonprofit Administration Internship
- RVAP
- WRAC
State (Iowa)
- Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence. (ICADV)
- Office for Victims of Crime
- IOWA Organization for Victim Assistance
State (Other)
- Tubman
- Violence Free Minnesota
- Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC) -- Formerly Called Break the Cycle
- Los Angeles Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-978-3600.
- Victims Assistance Programs (Ohio)
- Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR)
National
- NOVA (National Organization for Victims Assistance)
- NACP National Advocate Credential Program
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center
- National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (6041 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112)
- Department of Justice
- Indeed