Deanna “Dede” Wallace serves as Victim Assistance Specialist for Homeland Security Investigations Washington D.C., which oversees offices across Virginia, West Virginia and the District. In this role, Dede bridges the gap between law enforcement needs and victim services. She ensures that law enforcement use a victim-centered approach when conducting investigations, meaning that the rescue and stabilization of the victim is just as important as the prosecution of the criminal. She works with federal agents, local and state law enforcement officers, and nonprofit organizations across two states and the District of Columbia on cases involving human trafficking, child exploitation and financial crimes.Dede has more than 15 years’ experience in the field. She has received significant training on how to interact with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and child exploitation, and is often consulted as a subject matter expert on victim issues. She uses her vast knowledge to train colleagues in the industry both domestically and abroad on victim issues and trauma-informed interviewing practices.
