Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services (SAPARS) is looking for volunteer advocates to respond to its 24-hour crisis and support line, and make a difference in the lives of people affected by sexual violence. The next training will begin on January 26, 2016 in Farmington.

The training provides insight and information into the areas of sexual harassment, stalking, child sexual abuse, rape, and sexual assault. It will also address system response to sexual assault, challenges faced by survivors, and the importance of self-care. Participants will learn crisis intervention and advocacy skills, and will learn about various resources that are available in the community.

After successful completion of the training, advocates choose from a variety of scheduling options and can take calls from their home. Calls may include supporting someone through a difficult memory of childhood sexual abuse, or accompanying a caller to a local hospital or police station if the survivor chooses to use those resources.

Volunteer advocates must be over the age of 18, empathetic and dependable with access to reliable transportation. All potential volunteers must complete the training and a screening process which includes criminal and DHHS background checks. No prior experience is necessary. A stipend is available for volunteer advocates who cover evening, weekend, and holiday shifts.

 

To learn more about becoming a volunteer advocate, or to schedule a pre-training screening interview, please call Justine Plourde at (207) 784-5272 ext 111, or send an email to justine.plourde@sapars.org.

 

SAPARS (historically known in Franklin County as SAVES) works to prevent and eliminate sexual violence, and to promote healing and empowerment for people of all genders and ages who are affected by rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, stalking and sexual harassment. Please visit our website at www.sapars.org. The statewide, toll free, 24-hour Helpline is 1-800-871-7741.