SARA Crisis Advocates offer support, information, and assistance to survivors of sexual violence using an empowerment model. Our CAs respond to calls on our 24-hour crisis hotline and request for in-person advocacy at local hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and some court proceedings. CAs sign up to be on call for at least four (4) shifts per month through a cell phone system. The most important characteristics of Crisis Advocates are maturity, reliability, compassion, and empathy.
We provide training for Crisis Advocates, which is an intensive 40-hour training program where participants learn about dynamics of sexual violence, responding to survivors, working with different populations, and other skills. Crisis Advocates must be at least 18 years old and able to commit to the program for at least one year. Because volunteers may be asked to respond to a local hospital or police station, we also ask that volunteers have reliable transportation and be able to respond within one hour of dispatch. Additionally, Crisis Advocates receive ongoing training and case management.
To apply, please go to https://sararoanoke.org/get-involved/volunteer/crisisadvocates/.
