Mariel Delacruz, director of the Victim Services Unit for the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office (DAO), and Maleah Thomas-Thornton, Community Engagement Liaison for the Philadelphia DAO, shared insights on victim services and community engagement with students during a recent session of Dr. Keisha M. Robinson’s CJ:296 Victimology course.

The course investigates the dynamics and impact of victimization, focusing on sexual violence, family violence, child abuse, and homicide. Additionally, students analyze the criminal justice system’s response to victims as well as victim compensation and rights. Delacruz and Thomas-Thorton’s visit fit nicely into the curriculum. 

“Connecting classroom concepts to real-world applications allows my students to see the tangible impact of victim advocacy, transforming theoretical coursework into a profound understanding of the justice system,” Robinson said. “By hosting the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office in my Victimology course, we bridge the gap between academic study and the lived experiences of frontline professionals. This firsthand exposure humanizes the legal process and inspires my students to recognize the critical importance of supporting victims within our community.”

As a community engagement liaison, Thomas-Thorton works to strengthen relationships between communities and the DAO through outreach, advocacy, and civic engagement. She explained that it’s her team’s goal to be involved prior to a crime being committed, steering the community in the right direction any way they can.

“We’re always trying to be that preventative measure,” she explained. “How can we make this situation better for you? What resources can we provide? Who can we connect you with?”

Thomas-Thornton discussed the various community-based organizations across the city that her team partners with, including athletic organizations, music programs, and faith-based groups.

“Oftentimes they have a better chance at interacting with people before we can,” she explained. “But if we are interacting with the community after violence has happened, we’re talking about what we can do to soften the blow.”

Delacruz oversees the DAO department that provides information to victims and ensures they understand their legal responsibilities and the legal process. A personal tragedy early in life helped her see the importance of supporting victims through their journeys. 

“I have a lot of different types of lived experiences,” she said. “I am a co-survivor of violence. So a lot of the work that I do now in victim services is very personal to my journey and what I saw growing up. It’s why I enjoy speaking to these types of classes–because usually it’s a lot of theories and it’s textbook heavy–so we can talk about the actual impact on victims as a whole.”

Delacruz broke down different parts of the DAO office, explaining what each entails and how they assist victims. Several questions from seniors in the room concerned internships and entry-level positions available to recent graduates. 

Grace Maier ’26, a Criminology and Criminal Justice major, works with families and young children through her job at a local daycare. The role has opened her eyes to vulnerable populations that she could continue helping through work in victim services and/or community engagement.

“I do eventually want to become a lawyer,” she said. “But first, I want to get in there, I want to experience things, see the hardships. I want to work with people, talk with people, and get a chance to help them better their futures.”

Delacruz explained that there are several current openings in the DAO, in addition to internship opportunities available to law students. The office is currently working on developing an internship program for non-law students.

A transfer student after the closure of Cabrini University, Maier knew she wanted to continue her education at a school with a strong Criminal Justice program that also emphasized the value of social justice. The Warminster, Pa., native found that about 20 minutes away at Arcadia.

“I’ve had great professors who have really inspired me to go into law,” she said. “I just want to help people, especially in the legal system; it’s so overwhelming, and so confusing. When I came [to Arcadia], there were so many Criminal Justice and Criminology courses, so I literally took as many as I could. Now I’m graduating this semester, and it’s nerve-racking, but I’m starting to think about next steps. I feel like victim advocacy is a great thing, especially for gaining experience. I’m so passionate about this; I’m feeling so inspired!”