Are you the kind of person who finds a deep sense of satisfaction from helping others? If you are looking for a way to invest in others and are committed to our communities, a way to help those who’ve been victimized by crime, we invite you to join our team of dedicated volunteers. HelpLine of Delaware and Morrow Counties, Inc. (HelpLine) is now accepting applications for the upcoming Sexual Assault Services Summer 2014 training. HelpLine’s training will prepare individuals to become volunteer advocates for Sexual Assault Response Network (SARN) program.
Our SARN program assists people immediately after a sexual assault by providing support to victims/survivors at emergency departments and with reporting to law enforcement. Our SARN program also provides longer-term advocacy and can help an individual navigating the criminal justice system or seeking support long after a sexual assault occurs. At HelpLine, we provide 24/7 assistance through our hotline and help connect a victim/survivor to community resources.
According to Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN), there is an average of 237,868 victims (age 12 or older) of sexual assault each year. HelpLine offers immediate assistance and direct, ongoing support to survivors in our communities.
Nancy Radcliffe, Sexual Assault Services Director at HelpLine says, “Following a sexual assault, a person, generally struggles to get their lives back to some sort of ‘normal’. They may have questions about what to expect as far as reporting goes, what their options are, and where they can find both the information and support they need. Our volunteer advocates, as well as our staff are trained, compassionate, dedicated individuals who can help meet this need. We want to let people know that they are not alone; we are here to help.”
Volunteer Samantha Warren, reflected on her three years as a Sexual Assault Response Network (SARN) Advocate:
“You are given the opportunity to continue to be a part of these amazing women’s lives and their journeys while growing in the process yourself. Everyone at HelpLine—and every survivor—is someone I admire. Each woman has given me opportunities to challenge my beliefs and to grow.”
Becoming a HelpLine volunteer will allow you to invest in the lives of others, who often in turn, bring something altruistic into your life. Here are the specifics – we need volunteers to support sexual assault survivors:
- Sexual Assault Response Network (SARN) — The SARN Program depends on caring volunteers to be on call to respond to local hospitals and/or law enforcement departments and provide emotional support to victims of sexual assault. Volunteers receive extensive training and help give victims the crucial support they need to get through the initial trauma and as they move into recovering from this experience. Trained volunteers may also help with outreach efforts, and assist with violence prevention efforts. For more information, please call 740-363-1835 and ask for Shilo or e-mail sgall@helplinedelmor.org.
Spotlight on Our Volunteers: Samantha Warren
Samantha has been volunteering with the Sexual Assault Response Network (SARN) program at HelpLine for the last three years. We asked her why she finds volunteering so fulfilling.
The week before I applied for HelpLine, three close friends disclosed to me that they had been sexually assaulted. I had taken trainings and heard the horrifying statistics but to have the statistics become a reality… I knew there was something else that needed done. I knew I had to get involved somehow so, after a quick Google search, I found HelpLine and applied on my lunch break.
HelpLine is the most rewarding volunteer experience I’ve ever been involved with because it is helping me make a real difference in real women’s lives.
Although advocacy itself is a one-time occurrence, the involvement of HelpLine is intensive. The wraparound services that advocates have the option to participate in are so rewarding. You are given the opportunity to continue to be a part of these amazing women’s lives and their journeys while growing in the process yourself. Everyone at HelpLine—and every survivor—is someone I admire. Each woman has given me opportunities to challenge my beliefs and to grow.
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