Meredith Clark is a Victim Advocate with HSD’s Crime Survivor Services unit, where she has worked for two years. She writes about how she supports victims during one of the hardest moments of their lives, providing them with a shoulder to lean on, an understanding of what is going on with their case, and a connection to resources.
What is your role at Seattle Human Services?
I am the bilingual sexual assault and child abuse victim advocate with HSD’s CSS Crime Victim Advocacy Team. I work with child and adult victims with a “specialization” working with Spanish-speaking victims/families. As a systems-based advocate, I support victims throughout the police investigation and criminal justice process by providing resource referrals, addressing safety concerns, and elevating their voices during the process. As advocates, we support victims in understanding court proceedings and preparing for interviews and trials.
April 2025 marks the 24th observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. One of its calls to action is for more people to understand the impact of sexual violence. Working with victims and helping them understand each step of the process ensures equitable access to the system and that their voice is heard. Supporting victims during one of the hardest and traumatic moments of their lives—especially in a system that can be particulary challenging—provides them with a shoulder to lean on, an understanding of what is going on with their case, and a connection to resources, all of which can support them in their healing journey.
What made you want to work in human services?
I’ve always wanted to work in service with others in some way. During college, I discovered my passion for sociology and supporting community, and those experiences just kind of led me here. I’ve always wanted to work in a job/field where I felt my work mattered to more than just me or a business.
How has your job changed in recent years?
Our team has grown from two to five advocates, enabling us to have a bilingual advocate and decrease our caseloads so we can provide more individualized and thorough care and attention to the survivors we serve.
What do you love about your job?
I have the privilege of supporting people through some of the most challenging moments of their lives, making sure their voices are heard, and advocating for them. I also love my team and the relationships that I’ve built with different stakeholders in the process.
How do you contribute to HSD’s overarching goals related to racial equity?
As the bilingual advocate, I constantly look for ways to improve our programs and services to provide equitable access for non-English speakers. I seek out organizations and community partners that highlight bilingual and cultural services, and I encourage the survivors I work with to use those services.
With nearly eight years of experience in Seattle’s social services field—primarily supporting Spanish-speaking communities—I have forged strong relationships across the field. These connections allow me to make referrals easily and reach out for support when a survivor needs a resource that’s hard to find.
What motivates you or keeps you going?
Two things keep me going. One, my team’s support when I feel challenged by the system. Two, that no matter the outcome of an investigation or criminal case, I’ve provided support and compassion to people during some of their toughest moments. For example, I recently closed one of my very first assigned cases, which took nearly two years to resolve. While we didn’t have the intended outcome, it did make a difference for the survivor—she felt supported, heard, and like she was not alone. She is in a really good place now from where she was when I began supporting her in 2023. Seeing her grow and move through her healing reminds me of why I do this work, why it is important, and why I love my job.
What’s one piece of advice for HSD newcomers or recent graduates in your field?
This job can take a lot out of you, emotionally and mentally, so having good self-care practices and boundaries with work is essential to being able to do this work long term. For me, I enjoy cooking good food, reading, and leaning on my support systems.