The Domestic Violence Services Industry...

According to the United States Department of Justice, up to 4 million people per year are victims of domestic violence.1 Victims of domestic violence require support and intervention to improve their lives and remove them from the cycle of violence.  Thankfully, there is a large network of domestic violence organizations working to support victims, and to put an end to domestic violence. 

Domestic violence organizations work on local, state, regional and national levels to provide comprehensive, egalitarian services that support victims, their children, families, and perpetrators. These organizations search for hard-working, benevolent individuals to help fulfill their mission of ending violence between intimate partners.

Both the public and private sector employ domestic violence support staff, such as social workers, case managers, policy makers, therapists, attorneys, and interventionists.  These individuals often coordinate to provide the services necessary to permanently remove victims from dangerous environments, and to deliver the assistance they need to lead safe, fulfilling lives. 

Individuals who seek a career in domestic violence services are good-willed, compassionate, and sensitive to the needs of victims. The relationship between a victim and her/his abuser can be complex.  People who work with victims and abusers need to have sensitivity and patience to understand and handle complex relationships.

Many domestic violence workers find that obtaining a degree in psychology, counseling or social work is the best way to prepare for working within the field of domestic violence.  With the appropriate education, transition into the workplace becomes much smoother and one’s work is typically much more effective and efficient.  Obtaining a college degree often allows individuals to further their professional development while also playing a larger role in improving the lives of others.

Through education, people also determine what area of domestic violence services best suits their personality type and professional aspirations.  For example, some will find that working with women best suits their interests, while others will find more satisfaction in proving support to children. Many will find they excel in policy development and advocating for change.

If you are committed to improving the lives of domestic abuse victims, a career in domestic violence services may be right for you.

Find out how you can become involved, request information from schools offering Psychology degree programs. Also, learn more about the psychology career licensing processes and what the requirements for licensure are: Psychology Career Licensure.

Careers in the Domestic Violence Services Industry

  • Direct Service Providers
  • Shelter Provider
  • Domestic Violence Social Worker
  • Victim Advocate
  • Legal Advocate
  • Domestic Violence Counselor
  • Domestic Violence Case manager
  • Community Education Coordinator
  • Therapist
  • Counselor
  • Psychologist
  • Executive Director of Domestic Violence Organization
  • Policy Analyst
  • Research Analyst
  • Visitation Specialist

Resources:
1United States Department of Justice