Volunteers Needed to Support Survivors of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

A DCHS CONNECT NEWS HIGHLIGHT

The Sexual Assault Center (SAC) and the Domestic Violence Program (DVP) are seeking volunteers to help support survivors of sexual and domestic violence.

“Volunteers are integral to both programs,” says Division Chief Debra Evans, “providing essential crisis intervention, emotion support and advocacy.”

Volunteers at the SAC, which offers support to victims of sexual assault and their families and friends, staff the 24-hour hotline on evenings and weekends and provide accompaniment, emotional support, crisis intervention, advocacy and referrals to empower survivors of sexual violence in person at the hospital/police department or over the phone. Volunteers must attend a 40 hour training and have reliable transportation to INOVA Fairfax hospital. For more information on these and other opportunities, view or download a flyer, call 703.746.3127 or email lydia.guirguis@alexandriava.gov.

Volunteers for the DVP, which provides services to victims of intimate partner violence and their children, also provide crucial support. Volunteers at the Domestic Violence Safehouse provide crisis intervention, support, referrals and answer the 24-hour, confidential domestic violence hotline on weekends. Court advocacy volunteers provide victims with accompaniment to court hearings and assistance through the court process during weekday business hours. Through the Children’s Program, volunteers assist caring for children whose parents are participating in support groups on weekday evenings and assist with the annual Children’s Party. Volunteers receive training before serving. For more information on these and other opportunities, view or download a flyer or call 703.746.4911.

For more information about these programs, visit alexandriava.gov/SexualViolence and alexandriava.gov/DomesticViolence.