One in three women and one in six men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetimes. Many have no idea where to turn and what services are available to them. Many have few support people to talk to. University of Iowa's Rape Victim Advocacy Program (RVAP) volunteers provide a place survivors can seek support, feel encouraged, and be directed to information and referrals.

RVAP will begin its 32-hour Volunteer Training Program Monday, Sept. 10. The deadline to apply is Friday Aug. 31.

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

Take their word for it!

Following are comments from volunteers:

• “I learned so much and met so many wonderful, strong and inspiring women…I will carry many lessons from the agency and apply them in my daily life.”—16-month volunteer
• “I've loved my time with RVAP and am so proud to have been an advocate.”—12-month volunteer
• “I have really enjoyed volunteering for RVAP and feel it has helped me in so many ways. My listening and communication skills in general are so much improved and also my time management and self-care.” —current volunteer

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