718 North MaComb StreetLegal DepartmentMonroe, MI48162
United States
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Organization Information
Mission Statement
We at the Mercy Memorial Rape Crisis Center are committed: § To create an enviroment that systematically advances the care and advocacy of individuals who have experienced violence in their lives, specifically sexual assault. § To provide the highest level of individual centered care through a multidisciplinary team approach using forensic nursing, advocacy, and support services. § Providing holistic care that empowers individuals with an emphasis on the community. § Providing the most current community education on topics ranging from prevention of violence, forensic nursing, sexual assault, domestic violence, child and elder abuse. § Contributing to the overall health of the citizens of Monroe County.
Objectives
Engage in research projects that advance the care and advocacy of survivors of violence.
Actively participate in the community as a resource for education, support services and direct care of individuals experiencing violence.
Engage in leadership strategies that contribute to the education of legal, mental health, social services, law enforcement, healthcare and community members on prevention, care, and follow up needs of the victims of violence.
Engage in leadership strategies between community resources designed for individuals that have experienced violence that will enhance the overall health of our community.
Description
A Rape Crisis Center Advocate must reside in or near Monroe County. S/he must be at least 18 years of age. S/he must have a genuine interest in assisting adult and teen victims of sexual assault and their family members. In order to be accepted into the program, prospective volunteers must complete an application, a fingerprint check with the Bureau of Criminal Investigations (provided by the program), a valid driver's license with a clear record and a screening interview. Advocates must also sign a confidentiality agreement and a code of ethics contract that states that they agree to abide by Center procedures.
Like any worthwhile volunteer experience, it will require a considerable time commitment. Volunteers are required to attend a 25-hour training course and then commit to serving time on the hotline. In addition, there will be monthly meetings for case review of clients and a business meeting of the volunteer group. While this may seem like a lot, we are confident that the enthusiasm you bring with you will quickly join with the commitment shared by the other volunteers in the program and counter the hours of training involved. Although this process may seem extensive, the nature of this crime and the diverse clients we see necessitates that volunteers are thoroughly screened and trained. We feel this process will help us ensure that you receive all you can from this volunteer opportunity. The primary role of the Advocate is to provide crisis intervention, support, information and referral for victims of sexual assault and their family members. Our Advocates can choose to be Hotline and/or Outreach Volunteers. Hotline Advocates answer the 24-hour crisis line from their own home. Face-to-face crisis intervention is also provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in the Mercy Memorial Hospital and police department by our Outreach Volunteers. In special circumstances, during normal business hours, volunteers could also provide face-to-face crisis intervention to victims of sexual assault at the area courts, schools, RCC office, and the local jail. Following an initial contact with a client, volunteers normally provide limited "follow-up" contacts with the victims in order to clarify information, check that referrals have worked out, and make sure that the clients' concerns have been appropriately addressed.
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