MEXICO – The Rape Education and Crisis Hotline, REACH, will offer a free 36-hour training program at Region 9 beginning Monday, Oct. 9. The sessions will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.

Individuals who complete the program may decide if they want to interview for a volunteer advocate position. REACH is especially in need of daytime advocates. Day shifts are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Night shifts from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. There is no need to sit by a phone during a shift, as REACH uses a paging system.

The program, which has offered services to victims and survivors of sexual abuse and assault since 1981, serves most of Oxford County, Harrison and Bridgton.

A primary service is the hotline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Victims and survivors, their family members and friends and professionals can call the hotline for crisis intervention, information, support and advocacy. Volunteer advocates who help to staff the hotline are the backbone of being able to provide this essential service around the clock.

After in-depth training, individuals are well-informed about the needs of victims/survivors and the options available to meet those needs. In addition, monthly volunteer advocate meetings are facilitated by REACH staff to review calls, answer questions and provide updated training.

Individuals may attend the training who do not intend on becoming advocates for REACH, yet want to become better informed about the issues surrounding sexual assault. If interested in the training, call the office at 743-9777.