Sexual Assault Response Team Advocate Training

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The Morris County Sexual Assault Center at Morristown Medical Center (Atlantic Health System) is seeking volunteer advocates for our Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). Volunteers must complete a 40-hour Confidential Sexual Violence Victim Advocate (CSVA) training to become certified as a CSVA in the state of New Jersey. The next training is slated to take place in Summer 2024 (July/August). Volunteers are required to live within an hour of Morristown, New Jersey. This is a Hybrid training (part virtual, part in person).

During this comprehensive 40-hour training, volunteers are educated about all topics relating to sexual violence: trauma, sexual assault prevention, legal issues, and crisis response. Crisis intervention and advocacy skills are taught so that advocates can provide support and resources to survivors of sexual violence. Guest speakers including law enforcement, subject matter experts, and mental health professionals will present information on topics such as domestic violence, child sexual abuse, forensic examinations and the legal process.

Support for survivors is provided in person and via a 24-hour support hotline. After the training is complete, volunteer advocates are required to manage the crisis hotline for four 12-hour shifts per month. During these shifts, the advocate must be available to accompany survivors of sexual assault in person at Morris County hospitals, police stations, or court if requested.

Although this is a challenging volunteer position, the experience is very rewarding (and looks great on a resume too)! Join our SART team and be on the frontline supporting sexual assault survivors!