Mercy Memorial Rape Crisis Center

Volunteer with the Rape Crisis Center

Are you...

If you answered yes, then we need you!

All of us have the power to lend a helping hand. The only question is whether or not we choose to use it. In our community, the problem of physical and sexual violence toward women is one that cannot and should not be tolerated. Yet, it continues. And since that fact isn't likely to change, neither will our need for new volunteers who possess the desire to make a difference.

Do something good.Feel something real. Volunteer for the Mercy Memorial Rape Crisis Center!

Volunteers respond to hotline calls, provide crisis intervention services, meet survivors at the local hospital/police stations, provide education to the community, facilitate support groups, and support survivors through the legal process.

The goal is to make the aftermath of rape a little easier by explaining how the medical and legal systems work. They offer sensitivity and a non-judgmental attitude, allowing survivors of sexual assault to begin to move through the recovery process. They advocate on behalf of the survivor to ensure that she knows her rights and that those rights are protected.

Position Description

A Rape Crisis Center Advocate must reside in or near Monroe County. S/he must be at least 18 years of age. S/he must have a genuine interest in assisting adult and teen victims of sexual assault and their family members. In order to be accepted into the program, prospective volunteers must complete an application, a fingerprint check with the Bureau of Criminal Investigations (provided by the program), a valid driver's license with a clear record and a screening interview. Advocates must also sign a confidentiality agreement and a code of ethics contract that states that they agree to abide by Center procedures.

Like any worthwhile volunteer experience, it will require a considerable time commitment. Volunteers are required to attend a 25-hour training course and then commit to serving time on the hotline. In addition, there will be monthly meetings for case review of clients and a business meeting of the volunteer group. While this may seem like a lot, we are confident that the enthusiasm you bring with you will quickly join with the commitment shared by the other volunteers in the program and counter the hours of training involved.

Although this process may seem extensive, the nature of this crime and the diverse clients we see necessitates that volunteers are thoroughly screened and trained. We feel this process will help us ensure that you receive all you can from this volunteer opportunity.

The primary role of the Advocate is to provide crisis intervention, support, information and referral for victims of sexual assault and their family members.

Our Advocates can choose to be Hotline and/or Outreach Volunteers. Hotline Advocates answer the 24-hour crisis line from their own home. Face-to-face crisis intervention is also provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in the Mercy Memorial Hospital and police department by our Outreach Volunteers. In special circumstances, during normal business hours, volunteers could also provide face-to-face crisis intervention to victims of sexual assault at the area courts, schools, RCC office, and the local jail. Following an initial contact with a client, volunteers normally provide limited "follow-up" contacts with the victims in order to clarify information, check that referrals have worked out, and make sure that the clients' concerns have been appropriately addressed.

Volunteer Training

Volunteer training classes are held once a year, usually in the Spring. For more information please contact Lillian Williamson, Volunteer Coordinator, at (734) 240-4508 or Melodie Brooks, at melodie.brooks@mercymemorial.org.

Topics to be covered in training sessions include: