Support Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault

Volunteer Position: Sexual Assault Supportive 

Department:  Victim Services

Program: Emergency Response Team

Director: Emergency Response Services

Hours: Monthly Sign-Up for On-Call Shifts - Allows flexibility

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Mission Statement: Eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Primary Function: Provide emotional support and resource information to the survivors of sexual assault. Training is provided for this on-call position.

Qualifications:

1. 18 years of age or older (Male and Female.)
2. Ability to respond to the victim/survivor within 30 minutes of a page.
3. Listen with compassion to someone in crisis.
4. Ability to be patient and non-judgmental with survivor’s interests and attitudes.
5. Ability to work under pressure.
6. Due to the nature of this position.
7. Availability to sign up for on-call time slots each month.

Responsibilities:

1. Respect the confidentiality of all client/agency information
2. Be available for calls three times a month, Monday – Friday, between 5:00 pm and 8:00 am and on weekends and holidays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
3. Respond to the local hospital or NE site (YWCA) when a sexual assault is reported.
4. Provide support and advocacy on-site to primary and secondary victims of sexual assault.
5. Complete the required supportive contact forms
6. Adhere to the policies and procedures of YWCA Sexual Assault Program.
7. Complete the 13.5-hour training/screening process

Training Requirements:

1. Sexual Assault Nurse Exam (SANE) and Emergency Response Team (ERT) two-day training provided by YWCA in collaboration with other agencies.
2. Complete understanding of YWCA Mission.
3. General understanding of issues related to racial and gender issues and injustice, equality, equity, and Women’s Rights.

Training Covers:

1. Basic empathy skills
2. Role Play
3. Sexual assault laws and information on legal processes
4. Information on evidence collection/medical concerns.
5. Rape Trauma Syndrome and common reactions to assault
6. Issues of diversity
7. Information about date rape drugs
8. Self-care for caregivers/support providers

 Volunteers are not meant to replace staff, but to work beside them and assist where needed.