WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
Do you want to be a front line responder working with victims, families, police, hospitals, and court?
The Center offers training for state-certified sexual assault crisis counselors as defined in CT General Statute 52-146(k).
Experienced staff from the Rape Crisis Center conducts classes two nights per week over a six week period for a total of 40 hours, every fall.
To receive certification, volunteers must be at least 18 years old, live locally, have access to a reliable vehicle, have access to a cell phone, or a landline that they can be reached at while on-call, make a commitment to volunteer at the Center for at least one year.
Upon acceptance into the program, volunteers pay a nominal $50 fee to cover the cost of the training manual
Training curriculum includes:
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Sexual assault- definitions, myths, and facts
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Crisis intervention techniques
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Sexual Harassment
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Child sexual assault
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Domestic violence
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Diverse populations
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Incest
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Counseling
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Suicide
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Police investigations
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Forensic evidence collection
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Hospital accompaniment and medical procedures
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Counselor/ advocate procedures
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Court process and the law
Guest speakers include the Chief State's Attorney, Milford Detectives from the Special Victims Unit, Griffin Hospital emergency room staff, representatives from DCF, South Central Child Advocacy Center, BH Care’s Domestic Violence Program, and others.
Upon completion of the training program, volunteers are asked:
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To sign up for a minimum of 2 shifts each month, including weekends, evenings, and holidays to be "on-call" on our 24/7 crisis hotline and available in case a victim of sexual assault needs immediate help at a hospital or police department.
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Attend monthly volunteer meetings to conduct case review, provide in-service training, and develop the camaraderie that is important for all successful volunteer programs.
You do not need experience. You do need to be dedicated and willing to commit time.
Interested? Have questions?
Call the Center at 203-874-8712 or email Stephanie Chandler by clicking the button below if you are interested in our next volunteer training cycle.