PARIS – The Rape Education and Crisis Hotline (REACH) is offering a free training program for volunteer helpline advocates.

People are often surprised to learn that one in three females and one in seven males will be sexually abused at some point in their lives.

One advocate said, “I was aware of the need for support for all kinds of trauma, but support for sexual assault was not as well known in rural Maine as other needs. The number of calls REACH receives was a real surprise.”

REACH’s goal is to provide support services for victims or survivors and family members, to help in gaining access to other services and to help give voice to people who often are traumatized by sexual abuse. The support is offered to help people through the medical and legal process and beyond, if needed, via support groups.

An important part of REACH is its volunteer advocates, who are often the first person a victim or survivor may talk to through the organization’s hotline.

In addition to a comprehensive training program, advocates also receive ongoing support from staff and experts in sexual abuse and review support line calls and learn about timely related information at monthly meetings.

The training program will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, May 21, and will run for six weeks on Mondays and Thursdays, except for Monday May 28, at the office in South Paris.

The training program will cover sexual abuse, harassment and violence of all forms, the emotional impact, medical and legal options, the healing process and prevention measures.

Once training is complete, there will be an interview process. Individuals who do not intend to become advocates but want to become better informed about the issues surrounding sexual assault are also welcome.

For more information, call 743-9777 or e-mail [email protected].