It's their job: Janemarie Hilling

Name: Janemarie Hilling

Job: Victim’s advocate at the Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s office

Background: Hilling was raised in New Jersey and attended Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., before coming to eastern New Mexico.

Time on job: Six months

What does your job entail? I am the voice for the victim during the criminal process.

What is a typical day like for you? It is always different. I am back and forth between trials and victim’s meetings or I get called out on a domestic violence or a rape case.

Why did you choose this job? I feel like it is a way for victims of crimes to have a voice. They are many times overlooked in the investigative process. I get a sense of pride when they better their lives after I have helped them.

What type of training is needed for this job? One would need a degree in criminal justice. I also had to take advocacy training courses here. There is always more training to do for this job.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy learning new things as each day is never the same. I also gain a sense of fulfillment when I help a victim and when the offender is brought to justice.

— Compiled by PNT correspondent Blake Downs