Serving as a Surrogate Victim Advocate is a great way to become familiar with the mediation process and prepare yourself for the training to become a Mediator. As a Surrogate Victim Advocate, you hold the critical role of standing in place of an “actual” victim, (also referred to as the “identified victim”) in a mediation process, when the identified victim is not able to participate. Duties include: representing the perspective of the actual victim (whether an individual or entity) and the overall community; effectively communicate the effects of the harm done and advocating for the victim’s needs and experience recommending constructive types of restitution. You must commit to at least two mediations per month.