What is a sexual assault advocate and how can I become one?

Sexual Assault advocates complete extensive training to become certified to work with survivors in the Emergency Department setting. Requirements vary state to state and program to program. Many programs require a 40 hour in-depth training that teaches basic crisis counseling, the role of the criminal justice system and medical treatment of the survivor, as well as incorporating role playing, hospital visits, lectures and guest speakers including survivor panels, district attorneys, special victims unit detectives, sexual assault examiners and advocates.

Most programs require a commitment of at least one-year of on call service monthly as well as re-certification on an ongoing basis.

Becoming an advocate is not for everyone and that is ok! There are many ways to give back and get involved in crisis work and community advocacy.

Advocate programs exists often in conjunction with local hospitals or crisis centers. To find a program near you, please refer to the section below.

Most communities have a local center that needs volunteers. Depending on your own experiences, prior training and your time availability each center will have their own needs from hotline counselors, to administrative duties needing to be filled. We recommend researching opportunities on the internet or local resource listings.

RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) To find a crisis center near you please go to: http://www.rainn.org/counseling-centers/index.html

To find volunteer opportunities in your area please go to: http://www.idealist.org/