Summer Volunteers Help SAFE Meet Victims’ Needs July 15, 2010

In May SAFE held its two-week volunteer advocates training.  This 40 hour training teaches participants about the dynamics of domestic violence, crisis intervention, advocacy skills, safety planning, risk assessment, criminal and civil processes, and self-care.  These core skills are essential for advocates and volunteers as we work to empower survivors of domestic violence to end the cycle of abuse.

Volunteers are vital to our organization and assist our On Call Advocacy Program (OCAP). Our OCAP Response Line allows partner agencies to call our 24-hour hotline on behalf of a victim.  Our volunteers and advocates offer safety planning and advocacy over the phone based on the survivors needs and situations.  On Call Advocates may be dispatched to meet with the survivor and directly provide emergency resources such as safe shelter, transportation, an Emergency Temporary Protection Order and other legal and social services.

Our new group of volunteers’ dedication and diversity is amazing; from young professionals and current college and law students to retired police officers and executive directors.   I want to congratulate them on completing their Domestic Violence Advocates Certificate. We thank them for giving SAFE their most valuable resource, their time.

Congratulations Jessica, Lauren, Megan, Gretchen, Anthia, Meghan, Phyllis, Michelle, Kenyetta, Jessica J., Lauren B., Meg, Yassi, Katharine, Liz, Diana, Samantha, Tabitha and Sara!

If you are interested in volunteering with SAFE, please visit our    website for more information at www.dcsafe.org or contact Andrea Gleaves at agleaves@dcsafe.org with questions. Our next Advocate Training will be in the Fall.