Crime Victim Assistant

What does a victim support officer do? – Tasks and work environment

A victim support officer works to provide support and guidance to individuals who have been subjected to crime. Tasks include offering counseling, informing about the legal process, assisting with official contacts, and sometimes coordinating efforts with other actors such as social services or healthcare. The work is often carried out in close collaboration with victim support organizations and other volunteer groups. The work environment involves meetings with people in vulnerable situations and requires great sensitivity, empathy, and the ability to handle intense emotions. Typically, a victim support officer works office hours during the day, but some on-call duties may occur depending on the workplace setup.

Salary development over time

The salary for a victim support officer has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,200 SEK per month, rising to 34 800 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has further increased to 36 100 SEK, representing approximately a 9% rise over three years. This positive trend reflects an increased focus on victim support and a growing demand for qualified personnel in the field. The salary development can also be linked to a professionalization of the role and greater recognition of the important role victim support officers play in society. Gender differences have been relatively small, although men tend to earn slightly higher salaries on average. The job market is considered stable, with ongoing demand for staff and unchanged future prospects according to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts.

Victim support officer salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK (female, government sector)
• Highest salary: 41,500 SEK (female, municipal sector, research education)
• Hourly wage (average): 217 SEK
• Women earn: 35 900 SEK (98% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 36 500 SEK
• Regional differences: No significant differences reported, but variations may occur depending on employer and location.

Education and qualifications

To work as a victim support officer, a post-secondary education in social work, behavioral science, or law is usually required. Many employers also value experience working with vulnerable people. Additional merits may include specialized courses in crisis management, counseling techniques, or victim support. Practical experience from volunteer work or internships is often advantageous and can facilitate entry into the profession.

• Formal education: Vocational university or university education in social work, behavioral science, or law (2–4.5 years)
• Certifications: Courses in crisis support, counseling methodology, and victim support
• Internship/trainee: Valuable with internships in social work or the voluntary sector
• Prerequisites: High school diploma, often with a focus on social sciences
• Tips for choosing: Engagement in victim support organizations or volunteer work provides valuable experience

Common benefits and compensations

A victim support officer is often covered by collective agreements, which include occupational pension, insurance, and paid vacation. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, professional development, and access to supervision or support sessions. Some employers also offer flexible working hours and remote work options when needed.

Competition and challenges

The job market for victim support officers is characterized by balance, with a stable number of vacancies and relatively even competition for positions. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecast for treatment assistants and social pedagogues, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, implying moderate employment opportunities. Challenges in the profession include managing emotionally demanding situations and maintaining professional boundaries with those receiving support. There are also requirements for ongoing skills development to meet new needs and legislative changes. Workload can vary depending on location and employer, but the profession offers meaningful work for those who enjoy helping others.

Tips for aspiring victim support officers

To succeed as a victim support officer, it is beneficial to combine genuine commitment to helping people with a high level of professionalism. Being attentive and empathetic facilitates contact with victims in crisis, while the ability to stay calm under pressure is invaluable. Working in a structured manner and having good organizational skills helps manage complex cases and collaborate with various authorities. Clear and effective communication is also important, especially when informing about rights and opportunities. Engagement in volunteer organizations and continuous skills development provide both experience and confidence in the role, while personal maturity and boundary-setting skills help sustain long-term work in the field.

Key facts about victim support officers

• Education level: Post-secondary education (YH/higher education)
• Work environment: Office-based with elements of fieldwork and counseling
• Typical working hours: Full-time, daytime, sometimes on-call
• Demand: Moderate opportunities, 237 job openings in the profession
• Gender distribution: Small salary differences between men and women

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a victim support officer, there are opportunities to advance to coordinator, operations manager, or specialize in areas such as domestic violence or legal process support. Some choose to further their education as social pedagogues, counselors, or work in training and supervision within victim support. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts for treatment assistants and social pedagogues, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, providing stable future prospects. The number of job openings in the field currently stands at 237, reflecting ongoing demand for expertise in the area.

Frequently asked questions about victim support officers

• What is the average salary of a victim support officer?
  - The average salary is 36 100 SEK per month.
• What are the requirements to become a victim support officer?
  - Post-secondary education in social work, behavioral science, or law is recommended.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 36 500 SEK and women 35 900 SEK, which corresponds to 98% of men's salaries.
• What is the job market outlook for victim support officers?
  - Opportunities are moderate and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What are the tasks of a victim support officer?
  - Providing support and guidance to victims, coordinating assistance efforts, and informing about the legal process.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for the profession?
  - The highest salary is 41,500 SEK (female, municipal sector, research education), the lowest is 31,800 SEK (female, government sector).
• Is volunteer experience required?
  - It is advantageous and can facilitate employment, but not always a formal requirement.