Abby Hoke
HUS 101
Spring 2014

MARILYN DIBONAVENTURO

Graduated from
Villanova University
With a
Human Services
Degree

22 YEARS EXPERIENCE

• 2 yrs. Hancock County, DA office
• 5 yrs. Penobscot County, DA office
• 15 yrs. Federal Prosecution office, Bangor

HER CAREER BEGAN IN A RESIDENTIAL FACILITY FOR GIRLS

WHY WERE THEY IN RESIDENTIAL LIVING?

• Some children were sent to the facility via DHS court order
• Kids lived there that were difficult to place in foster homes
• Still others were remanded to residential living for juvenile offenses

MANY OF THESE CHILDREN HAD BEEN

MARILYN WANTED TO MAKE SURE

SHE CHOSE THIS CAREER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

MARILYN HAS A JOB WHERE TRANSFORMATIONS ARE MADE

SHE GETS TO WATCH PEOPLE BLOSSOM

"I LOVE IT"!

Marilyn works for the United States Department of Justice

MARILYN WORKS IN A PROSECUTORS OFFICE

• This is a Federal position
• The DOJ is categorized as a large agency
• Employees total 124,870 nationwide
• Department of Justice is the 5th largest government agency

There are two agency offices in Maine.
Bangor & Portland

Mission Statement:
Enforce the Law
Ensure Public Safety
Seek Just Punishment
Ensure Fair & Impartial Justice for Americans

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

• U.S.Attorney General - State of Maine
• Supervisory U.S. Attorney
• Victim Witness Specialist
• Support Staff

ETHICAL GUIDELINES

• Set forth by NOVA
• Can't provide or accept gifts
• Can't discuss case details outside the office
• Do not discuss case facts with witnesses
• No socializing with witnesses or judges

WHO RECEIVES VICTIM ADVOCACY SERVICES?

• Any age group may be served
• Men & Women
• Wide socioeconomic range
• Advocacy is needed for victims of all educational levels

TOP 3 SKILLS THAT ARE MOST IMPORTANT

• Knowledge & understanding of the legal system
• The ability to be respectful & not judge the personal process of victims
• The ability to multitask

"Typical hours in a regular work week could be 40, but you stay until the job is done".

TRAINING

• No advocate licensure needed
• Bachelors degree minimum, masters degree recommended
• Attend seminars & academies for continuing education
• Build your network with allied professionals

STRESS!!

• Trial coordination
• Admission of testimony/evidence
• Overwhelming caseloads
• Paperwork

Pay can vary depending on if your job is federal, state or private.

CHALLENGES

• Maintaining professional boundaries
• Working with attorneys & family members
• Ensuring case integrity

REWARDS

• The people you meet
• Realizing their strengths
• Being a witness to personal journeys
• The enlightenment that comes from walking their path

Job satisfaction comes from seeing people who rise to the occasion

"Seeing people make productive layers out of their life experiences".

"I love it when people don't stay broken".

THANK YOU