Victim advocates face intricate ethical challenges daily as they strive to provide compassionate, survivor-centered services. This two-hour virtual training explores advanced ethical dilemmas in victim advocacy, offering tools to navigate these situations with integrity, professionalism, and care. Using real-world scenarios inspired by the complexities of advocacy work, participants will engage in critical thinking and interactive discussions to examine issues such as boundary setting, cultural competence, confidentiality, addressing colleague misconduct, and balancing survivor autonomy with legal obligations.

The training will incorporate the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP) Code of Professional Ethics, helping participants deepen their understanding of ethical standards and how to apply them in difficult situations. Supervisors will also gain insights into addressing ethical concerns within their teams, including burnout, secondary trauma, and workplace dynamics.

By the end of the session, participants will:

• Identify common red flags that signal ethical concerns.
• Practice strategies for resolving complex ethical dilemmas while maintaining a survivor-centered approach.
• Build confidence in navigating issues such as trauma dumping, dual relationships, and reporting misconduct.
• Explore tools to foster cultural competence and language access in advocacy.
• Learn how to address burnout and secondary trauma within themselves and their teams.

This training is designed for advocates and supervisors alike, offering practical guidance to uphold ethical standards while supporting survivors and maintaining professional boundaries.

Speaker:

Robyn C. Sordelett is the Survivor Center Director at Prosecutors Alliance. She is a clinical social worker and advocate for trauma-informed care and violence prevention. Her career includes work in the criminal justice system, community organizations, and in legislative advocacy on a federal and state level.

In her role at Prosecutors Alliance, Robyn provides guidance and support to victim advocates while centering survivors in conversations about justice, healing, and reform. Robyn is committed to empowering advocates to address their own psychological and emotional health in order to enhance survivor outcomes and wellness in the field. Her work focuses on vicarious trauma and resilience, systemic causes of burnout, and sustainable advocacy practices. Her work also includes researching and developing collaborative responses to domestic and sexual violence, focusing on innovative solutions to gender-based violence that exist beyond the system. 

Robyn has a Bachelor of Arts in English and Sociology from the University of Richmond and received her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California. When she’s not knee deep in planning narrative shifts, Robyn is likely on her back deck with a cup of coffee and a good book about Plantagenet history.