(Posted 2024 March)
Meet Brittney DePoto, Hospital Accompaniment Support Advocate (HASA)
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your professional background?
I am from the Northern Virginia area and a George Mason University alumnus. Right now, I'm in my second year of law school and am excited to pursue a career in criminal law once I graduate.
How long have you been volunteering? What led to your initial desire to volunteer and serve others?
Ever since I was a child, I have had a passion for helping others. Coming from a family where service to others is cherished, I have always wanted to devote time to being involved in my community. I'm excited to say that this March will be my one-year anniversary of volunteering with DSVS!
What interested you in volunteering with Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services?
During my time in college, I had the privilege of serving as a legal intern where I assisted victims of crime. This experience had a profound impact on me, and I have continued to participate in this role over the past five years. It was through this internship that I developed a passion for helping those affected by crime and assisting them in their journey toward recovery. When I began law school, I was eager to learn more about how I could assist victims/survivors and give back to my local community. While searching for opportunities in Fairfax County, I discovered DSVS and knew I wanted to be involved in the incredible work they do.
What is the most challenging part of volunteering? How did you overcome this challenge?
One of the most difficult aspects of volunteering is the uncertainty that comes after assisting a victim/survivor. It can be challenging not knowing what happens to them after you've helped them. You hope they receive the necessary support to begin a new, safer chapter in their lives, but you can never be certain. To overcome this, I rely on the training provided by DSVS and remind myself I did everything in my power as a Hospital Accompaniment Support Advocate (HASA) to assist them. Additionally, I talk to the amazing team members at DSVS.
What's the best part of volunteering? Share your most memorable experience.
One of the best parts of volunteering with DSVS is the opportunity to be a caring listening ear for victim/survivors and a safe place for them to express what they are feeling. The victims/survivors I have had the opportunity to help have been some of the strongest and kindest individuals I have met, and it has been an honor to assist them. To be able to remind others of their self-worth and strength is truly a privilege. My most memorable experience with this was during my first hospital stay. When I first met the victim/survivor, you could see and hear their fear and desperation. But as we started talking about safety planning, I witnessed a change in them. They began to sit up straighter, breathe easier, and remember who they were and their value. By the end of the accompaniment, they had regained a part of themselves. I will never forget that day and feel honored that I was able to help this survivor in a small way. Another amazing part of volunteering with DSVS is the chance to meet and connect with all the other volunteers and staff members. I look forward to every meeting and training we have. They are some of the most genuine and kind people I have ever met. It is a fantastic community, and I feel so proud to be a part of it!
What has been your favorite training? What did you like about it? What did you learn?
So far, my favorite training has been Tier I and II training, when we learned about how the brain reacts to trauma. The trainings were so informative and well taught that I felt much more prepared on how to speak to victims. I have been able to apply this information not only while volunteering with DSVS but also when working with victims of crime at my legal internships.
What are your three greatest strengths? How have you been able to display and use these strengths when serving others?
My three greatest strengths are my compassion, my ability to be a good listener, and my ability to empower people. My hope is that by showing compassion to the survivors I meet, being a listening ear for them, and empowering them to remember their worth, I am able to hopefully help them along their journey.
What advice do you have for people who may be thinking about becoming DSVS volunteers?
My advice to those thinking about volunteering with DSVS is to start! This experience has been life changing for me, and I hope more people can be a part of this rewarding and amazing community.
What do you wish you could do more of as a volunteer?
I wish I could spread more awareness about the resources DSVS can provide victim/survivors and have more time to volunteer in other areas, like the hotline or court accompaniment, as well.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, whether it's catching up over coffee or sitting down for a meal. Additionally, I am a member of several organizations at my school, including our Pro Bono Society. Outside of school, I love being in nature, and I enjoy rock climbing and running.
This article posting is part of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services' Volunteer Voices monthly newsletter for current and potential volunteers. If you're not already a volunteer, learn how to get involved. Find out about upcoming trainings, volunteer trainings, happenings around the DSVS office and information about articles, books, media recommendations and more.
Learn more about the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS).