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| Volunteer Advocacy |
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| Becoming a Sexual Assault Advocate |
What does a sexual assault advocate do?
After completing the Advocate training the duties of a sexual assault advocate may include:
- Carrying a beeper (responding to hotline calls)
- Provide crisis intervention
- Provide support and referrals to necessary services and resources.
- Providing support & advocacy to clients and/or their families
- Being available to meet with clients at the hospital, police station, and/or court.
- Ability to provide follow-up assistance when indicated and to honor commitments made to callers.
- Attending monthly on-going training to review cases to expand knowledge base.
- Being Familiar with policies relating to volunteers.
- Represent the Center at various community activities and events
What is involved in the advocate training?
The advocate training is a 45 hour class covering:
- Learning the Advocate's roles
- Discussing Myths & Facts
- The Impact of Sexual Violence
- Providing Emotional Support
- Childhood Sexual Assault
- Special considerations (i.e. Marital rape, male victims, disabled victims gay & lesbian victims, elderly victims)
- Adultism & Adolescent Culture
- Ritualistic/Cult Abuse
- Suicide and self-destructive Behavior
- Medical Issues
- Legal Issues
- Domestic Violence Project
- Department of Human Services
- Mental Health Issues
A comprehensive workbook is included in the course which is filled with references and resources as well as detailed information on many sexual assault issues.
This Training can be used as credit towards the MHRT II certificate . Which can replace the required course, Incest and Sexual Abuse. (does not provide college credits towards University of Maine Graduation)
Does a Sexual Assault Volunteer advocate require a background check?
Yes, when you submit your application for training a SBI (Department of Human Services & criminal record) background check is done.
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If you are interested in becoming an advocate and you live in Southern Kennebec, Knox, or Waldo Counties please call the Center at (207)
377-1010, (207) 338-4622, or (207) 594-8580.
Or visit our Links page to find the Sexual Assault Center nearest you.
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