E2: Victim Advocacy in Domestic Violence and Child Welfare Cases

Domestic violence and intimate partner violence (IPV) affect individuals across all demographics. Human services and law enforcement responders often encounter IPV cases and must collaborate to support survivors. Despite their shared goal of ensuring safe families and communities, these collaborations can be challenging due to differing priorities, processes, and responsibilities. In this episode, Maria Folsom discusses her work as a victim advocate with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Ms. Folsom provides 24/7 support to survivors of all crimes. With 30 years of service as a victim advocate, she has experience teaching life skills to female inmates, helping others manage trauma, and supporting individuals with disabilities. “I build rapport, and I do try to let them feel I’m on their side.” Maria Folsom Leon County Victim Advocate Unit: https://www.leoncountyso.com/citizen-center/victim-information Content Note: This episode contains an in-depth discussion about domestic violence and intimate partner violence, including descriptions of abusive behavior and its emotional and psychological impacts. These topics may be distressing or activating for some listeners. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or feels unsafe, please consider taking a break from this episode or listening with support. For confidential help, contact: National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233) 📱 Text: Text “START” to 88788 💬 Chat: Available at thehotline.org https://www.thehotline.org/ https://acf.gov/fysb/ndvh https://www.mnadv.org/get-help/24-hour-national-hotline/ National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑656‑HOPE (4673) Teen Dating Abuse Helpline 📞 Phone: 1‑866‑331‑9474 📞 TTY: 1‑866‑331‑8453 Florida-Specific Domestic Violence Hotlines Florida Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7) 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119 📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202 https://www.fcadv.org/dv-hotline https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence https://www.fpedv.org/get-help/ Florida Department of Children & Families (DCF) – Domestic Violence Resources 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119 📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202 DCF partners with certified shelters and programs statewide and helps locate services in your area. https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence https://www.flfamily.org/get-help/domestic-violence/ The Institute honors the many ways those impacted by violence identify. For that reason, we will use the terms “victim” and “survivor” interchangeably to honor both preferences. We also recognize that professionals use different terms to describe their work in this space, including “domestic violence,” “intimate partner violence,” and “partner violence.” While each of these terms has specific meaning, we will again use terms interchangeably for professional representation. Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. Tune in and subscribe to our Child Welfare podcast at http://FICW.FSU.EDU/PODCAST The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promote safety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. Learn more about our research and professional development programs at http://FICW.FSU.EDU Connect with us on social media: @FSUChildWelfare http://Facebook.com/FSUChildWelfare http://Instagram.com/FSUChildWelfare http://Twitter.com/FSUChildWelfare http://LinkedIn.com/company/FSUChildWelfare Host:  Dr. Lisa Magruder Producing/Editing: David Heller, Brantley Jones, Izzy Cring