Have you been inspired by the bravery among sexual assault survivors speaking out to raise awareness? Are you looking for a way to stand with those survivors and make a lasting impact on our community?

The Sexual Assault Center that serves Brown, Oconto, Door, & Marinette Counties, is looking for individuals to join their volunteer team! No experience is necessary. All advocates receive extensive training prior to working with victims of Sexual Violence. Our new training program prepares advocates and is more flexible for those with busy schedules. Self-paced learning modules combined with on-site training and shadowing experiences prepare advocates for this work. Advocates play an important role in victims’ healing process as they not only field incoming hotline calls through hotline, but also respond to hospitals or police stations to provide immediate support and information. Interns provide additional support and legal advocacy. Volunteers sign up for two shifts each month that work with their schedule and attend monthly meetings with other advocates, to maintain protocols and expand knowledge.

REQUIREMENTS: strong Interpersonal skills, eagerness to take initiative, & strong self-awareness. No experience necessary; extensive training program provided. Serious inquiries only.

ROLE:
Hotline coverage (Hotline is transferred to advocate's cell phone):

• Assist in maintaining the 24-hour coverage of Sexual Assault Center hotline.
• Respond to calls received while on call.
• Provide general information and/or supportive counseling to persons who call the Center.

Medical Advocacy:

• Provide information on the importance of medical attention for the victim regarding her/his physical health, the possibility of contracting venereal disease, AIDs, and the possibility of pregnancy resulting from rape.
• Discuss importance of protecting the evidence in case a police report is made now or later.
• Meet victim at emergency room hospital.
• Prepare victim for medical treatment and/or evidence collection by informing her/him of process.
• Remain with victim during and after exam if this is her/his wish or remain with family or friends.

Legal Advocacy:

• Discuss option of reporting assault to police if caller is 18 years or over, if she/he has not already done so. Any case that involves a victim under the age of 18 must be reported the Department of Human Services.
• Remain with victim through law enforcement questioning, if victim desires.
• Prepare and support the victim for legal process.

To inquire, email csteffens@familyservicesnew.org, apply online at www.familyservicesnew.org/sac, or call our volunteer coordinator at 920-436-8899.