Rape Crisis to hold Volunteer Training Sessions
Volunteers essential to Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services supporting victims of Sexual Assault
Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services, the only provider of services to survivors of Sexual Assault in the CSRA will have their next volunteer training for September 4 – 18, 2008. Anyone interested in volunteering with this organization that is vital to the community is invited to attend the first session on Thursday, September 4, from 5:30 – 9:00 pm in Cafeteria Classroom #1 at University Hospital.
Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services is a United Way supported agency, operating under University Hospital, that provides help for survivors of sexual assault regardless of how long ago it happened or whether it was reported.
Sexual assault is an act of violence that is intended to control or humiliate. As the most underreported of all crimes, it is more widespread than most people recognize. One out of three women and one out of five men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetimes. Rape and sexual abuse are often labeled “crimes of silence” because of low reporting rates and social discomfort with their public discussion.
Anne Ealick Henry, Director of Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services, said “The success of services provided by Rape Crisis depends exclusively on our volunteers. For over thirty years Rape Crisis has provided the CSRA with a 24-hour Crisis Line, emergency room advocacy at all area hospitals, court and legal advocacy, community education and counseling and therapy for survivors of sexual assault. Our volunteers are the very core which has allowed the Program to continue for more than three decades.”
Included in the formal training are presentations that address a variety of issues related to sexual assault, including how these types of cases are investigated and prosecuted and about the emotional aspects of this crime. To become a volunteer with Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services, one must be able to attend all of the scheduled sessions. The training will be completed by attending self defense classes, of which the dates, times, and locations will be announced at training.
The full Volunteer Training Schedule is as follows:
Thursday, September 4 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM Cafeteria Classroom # 1
Friday, September 5 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Cafeteria Classroom # 1
Saturday, September 6 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Cafeteria Classroom # 1
Sunday, September 7 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Cafeteria Classroom # 1
Monday, September 8 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM Cafeteria Classroom # 6
(All Classrooms are located in the Cafeteria Dining Room at University
Hospital)
Volunteers serve the agency in a number of ways, including: answering crisis calls, providing emergency room advocacy for victims of sexual assault, or volunteering in the office. Rape Crisis is also in need volunteers to offer advocacy in the court system by sitting through various court proceedings in Burke, Richmond, and Columbia Counties. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with Rape Crisis, please call (706) 774-2746.
Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services offers volunteer training six times per year for people interested in being counselors for victims of rape or sexual assault. For more information on Volunteer Training contact Lauren Wertz, Volunteer Coordinator at 706-774-2746 or for information on services provided by RCSAS, please contact Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services at (706) 774-2740.
About Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services
Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services, under the auspices of University Hospital, is a United Way supported agency that provides help for survivors of sexual assault regardless of how long ago it happened or whether it was reported. Services include:
• 24-hour crisis line with staff or trained volunteers available seven days a week
• Advocacy and crisis intervention for the survivor at the hospital, police department or court.
• Short-term counseling
• Support groups
• Children’s prevention programs
• Community education programs
• Promotion of survivor’s right to know and choose possible courses of action
• Information and referral to community resources
Call (706) 774-2740 for more information. The 24-hour crisis line is (706) 724-5200.
###
