One in three women and one in six men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetimes. Many have no idea where to turn or what services are available to them. Many have few support people to talk to about the assault.
Rape Victim Advocacy Program (RVAP) volunteers provide a place where survivors can seek support, feel encouraged, and be directed by information and referrals.
University of Iowa’s RVAP will begin its 32-hour Volunteer Training Program Monday, June 10. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 31.
“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 RVAP volunteer
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.
Volunteers share the following thoughts about their experiences:
- “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, questions, or concerns, 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/.