LEWISTON – Volunteers are needed to listen and provide support, information, referrals and accompaniment to callers to the Sexual Assault Crisis Center’s 24-hour crisis and support line.

The center is seeking women and men who would like to make a difference in the lives of victims of sexual violence. It will offer training for hotline advocates soon. The deadline for completing the application process is Friday, Feb. 29.

Volunteer advocates receive extensive training and support to prepare them for responding to callers. The training provides insight and information in the areas of sexual harassment, stalking, sexual abuse, sexual assault and the challenges faced by survivors and their supporters.

Volunteers are taught the options and resources available for survivors of all ages in the community and learn crisis intervention and advocacy skills through training and role-play scenarios, with special emphasis placed on the importance of self-care.

Advocates carry a pager during their hotline shifts, allowing them to be on call from their homes. A call can require supporting someone through a difficult memory of childhood sexual abuse, providing support and education about available resources or accompanying a caller to a local hospital, police station or courthouse.

Volunteer advocates must be over age 18, empathetic and reliable. No experience is necessary. To learn more about becoming an advocate, contact Sarah at the center office at 784-5272, ext. 104.