FARMINGTON — Sexual Assault Victims Emergency Services Inc. (SAVES), a 24-hour sexual assault crisis and support line for Franklin County, is staffed by a team of volunteer advocates.

Twice each year, fall and spring, SAVES offers training to the Franklin County community. The 2008/09 trainings have provided an opportunity for 10 new volunteers to join the network. The individuals who donate their time provide 5,840 volunteer hours to SAVES every year.

SAVES provides all training necessary for someone to become a support person to those who have been affected by sexual violence. No previous experience is required. Participants will receive specialized training in basic crisis intervention skills as well as information about local legal and medical response to sexual violence. Advocates will have the use of a pager while they are on-call and will be reimbursed for expenses. Supportive ongoing supervision will be provided.

The next training will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays, starting Sept. 14. The sessions will conclude by early December. Two Saturday labs will be held during the course in order for volunteers to participate in a counseling skills lab and to practice role play. All sessions will meet at the SAVES office, located at 227 Main St., Floor 2, Holman House.

Persons must be 18 years or over to apply. The course is free to those who will volunteer with SAVES. UMF credit may be available.

For more information and/or an application, call or write Julia Terry, community outreach and education coordinator, SAVES Inc., PO Box 349, Farmington, ME 04938; 778-9522; or [email protected]. The 24-hour support line number is 1-800-871-7741. (1-866-740-9516 if using a cell phone, TTY: 1-800-458-5599).

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