FARMINGTON – Sexual Assault Emergency Services Inc. will offer the opportunity to take part in the Hotline Advocate Training Program beginning Tuesday, Feb. 24.

The training will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays until May 4, except for holidays and school vacations.

One Saturday, March 27, is also required to participate in counseling skills and role-play labs. Participants must be 18 or older to apply. This course is available free of charge to those who will volunteer with SAVES. UMF credit may be available to qualified students.

Participants will receive specialized training in crisis intervention skills, information about the legal and medical system response to sexual violence, the use of a pager while on call, and ongoing supervision.

A team of volunteers from all corners of the community staffs the SAVES 24-hour Rape Crisis Hotline.

Applicants are considered not on the basis of prior experience, gender or educational background but more on their desire to help and the compassion to listen without judgment to those who have been touched by sexual violence.

SAVES is particularly interested in training more advocates who are permanent residents of Franklin County.

Client Services Director Pamela Adams said the agency values the support it receives from college students who are advocates.

Community based advocates, however, are able to help staff the hotline during the semester breaks and vacations when the college students are away.

For more information, phone SAVES at 778-9522 or write to P.O. Box 349, Farmington, ME 04938.