We have a series of trainings here at the Center, some are required for any involvement and some are for specific programs.
The CORE Training is required for all involvement. It focuses on the basics of sexual assault (stats, laws, information), the services we offer, & the impact sexual assault has on society. You will also explore the impact certain aspects of society (such as the media) have on the prevalence of sexual assault. By attending Core you will be able to assist with our prevention education program. We have booths at local health fairs, community gatherings, and we have a person on staff who goes to different schools in Athens and the surrounding counties every week. You can also help with office/administrative work (making copies, binding manuals, answering the business line, etc.)
The next training is Crisis Intervention. The name is pretty descriptive- you learn techniques to assist those in crisis, learn ways to manage your own fear of those in crisis, and learn more about the process those in crisis may be going through. You will use techniques, such as active listening skills, the importance of self-care, & empowerment techniques. This training is required for any involvement with adult survivors and is a stepping-stone to the other trainings, Hotline & Child Advocacy Program (CAP). You may choose to participate in Hotline Training &/or CAP training next.
In Hotline Training you will learn more specific information regarding the legal and medical aspects of reporting a sexual assault case. You will be trained to speak to people in crisis who call the hotline & answer their questions regarding the reporting process. Much of the time callers just need to process & de-escalate. Sometimes they choose to report the crime and you will help to facilitate this by providing information and accompanying them through the beginning of the process. Accompaniments are usually done here at the center. Law enforcement will question the survivor, possibly in your presence, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) will provide a medical exam to collect evidence. Your job is to support and advocate for the survivor & anyone who may have come with her/him. You will never be alone on an accompaniment; another hotline volunteer or a staff member will join you. Hotline shifts are from 7pm-8:30am. You simply forward the hotline to your house. You are expected to sleep as long as you will wake up and be coherent enough to answer the phone when it rings.
Attending CAP training allows you to participate in our kids group, Heroes, Great & Small. You can also assist children with legal advocacy, court prep, family-support during forensic interviews, and you may have the opportunity to go to trial with the family if the case makes it that far.
To sign up for any of the trainings you can contact the Center's Volunteer Coordinator at
ctsac@bellsouth.net or at 706.546.1133. I will be more than happy to answer any further questions you might have. For a quick glance and information about the Center, please visit our new website,
http://sacnega.tripod.com.
I hope this was helpful, and I look forward to your involvement with the Center