Volunteers

Do you fit this description?

Are you a caring, mature female who is dependable, sincere, empathetic, responsible, non-judgemental and have good listening and interpersonal skills?

If so: The Sexual Assault Survivors' Centre needs you!!!

The Sexual Assault Survivors' Centre Sarnia-Lambton was founded in 1982 and incorporated as a non-profit charitable organization in 1986.

Why do we need you?

Volunteers staff the 24-hour crisis line to assist victims of sexual assault/abuse. Volunteers do this by providing callers with information, emotional support and non-directive counselling. Volunteers also assist with accompaniment to hospital, police, crown attorney and court if they require this service. Volunteers also make up our Board of Directors, Committees, assist with public education, training new volunteers and fundraising events.

How can you become a volunteer?

Are you 21 years old and up (some exceptions, ages 18-20)? Then call the Centre at 519-337-3154 to ask about training workshops.

What do the training workshops consist of?

Information regarding sexual assault/abuse including:

• Sexual Assault-Police Perspective
  police investigations of sexual assault
  types of criminal code charges
  volunteer role
• Rape Crisis Kit - Sexual Assault Treatment Centre
  medical aspects after a sexual assault
  Rape Kit
  volunteer role
  Note: this session is held at Sarnia General Hospital
• Sexual Assault by Primary Partner
  wife assault issues
  services of Women's Interval Home
  volunteer referral process
• Sexual Assault-Court Perspective
  legal aspects of sexual assault
  Crown Attorney's role
  volunteer role
• Child Sexual Abuse, Community Resources
  listening skills
  responding to survivors
  what to do when faced with issues such as suicide, self-mutilation, ritual abuse, dissociation
• Managing on the crisis line and crisis intervention
  Do's and don'ts
  learning to be an effective crisis line volunteer
  practice role playing
• Confidentiality
  what does it really mean
  disclosure of information

The training sessions are designed to give volunteers the information they need and sufficient practice in order to staff the 24-hour crisis line. The format varies from each session using guest speakers, videos, practice examples, and role plays. We strongly encourage each volunteer to attend all sessions.

Volunteer Responsibilities

• support the mission and goals of our Centre
• maintain strict confidentiality
• be knowledgeable about sexual assault/abuse issues
• be capable of working as a team member
• be committed, supportive, loyal, dependable, non-judgemental, positive, considerate, patient and reliable
• fill two shifts per month on the crisis line
• attend monthly group supervision sessions (approx. 2 hours)
• participate in on-going training (enhance your skills)

Interested?

Contact the Sexual Assault Survivors' Centre at: