Outreach and Training

Twice yearly the Victims Assistance Center provides a 40-hour training program for all new staff, volunteers, and interns at the Agency. This training covers a wide range of topics that enable individuals to effectively provide the services needed by those in the community who have been affected by any crime, including family/domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

Upon successful completion of the 40-hour training program, individuals will be approved by the New York State Department of Health as Rape Crisis Advocates.

Serving as a volunteer involves responding to crisis calls and assisting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or homeless women and children. This may include transporting clients to shelter, accompanying them to the hospital or police station, advocating for them, or just being present to provide emotional support in a time of crisis.

Our volunteers are frequently the first person to come into contact with a victim and can leave the client with a positive impression of our services that will be remembered when the decision is finally made to leave an unsafe situation for good.

Student interns will have the opportunity to observe and assist staff in the provision of the following Agency services:

• Rape Crisis Services
• Crisis Intervention Services
• Safe Shelter
• Legal Advocacy
• Community Education
• Office Responsibilities