Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Karel K. Swanger

Abstract

Homicide is a preventable public health issue that has detrimental effects for victims, witnesses, and the broader society. Although a number of studies have substantiated the adverse effects on children when a parent dies by homicide, few studies have addressed how critical the support of victim advocates is in minimizing the adverse effects. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine victim advocate professionals' experiences of challenges and opportunities in delivering services to children of homicide victims. Policy feedback theory was the theoretical framework for the study. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 victim advocate professionals who were members of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Victim Advocate Association, which provides services to parentally bereaved children of homicide victims. The participants’ experiences of challenges varied, including experiencing vicarious trauma and burnout due to the indirect exposure to trauma, feeling prepared but not ready when first encountering a youth, and having to establish trust to effectively deliver services. Opportunities also varied among the participants, such as several training opportunities through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Victim Advocate Association and expressions of appreciation from victims. Knowledge of the challenges and opportunities experienced by victim advocate professionals may inform policy and service provisions toward those most in need of preventive interventions and resources. Such efforts are pivotal for positive social change given the potential for unaddressed grief and trauma to affect the developmental trajectory of youth.

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