The University of Iowa Rape Victim Advocacy Program will begin its 32-hour volunteer training program Monday, June 11, to prepare area volunteers to provide support and assistance to victims and survivors of sexual assault. The deadline to apply is Monday, June 4.

After completing the training, advocates are prepared to provide support, information, and referrals on the local Rape Crisis Line and the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline, as well as respond to calls to support survivors at the hospital or with law enforcement.

Training covers topics surrounding sexual assault, teaches counseling skills, and includes role-plays designed to replicate typical calls received from victims and survivors. Volunteer advocates take calls from home, and scheduling is flexible.

For more information, questions, or concerns, contact Jessica Schmeckpeper at volunteer-coordinator-rvap@uiowa.edu or 319-335-6001. To fill out an application, visit http://www.uiowa.edu/~rvap/.