Domestic and sexual violence are issues that continue to impact lives in western Illinois and around the world during the ongoing pandemic. Now, more than ever, WIRC-CAA Victim Services is calling for volunteers to staff their 24-hour crisis hotline and be an advocate for local survivors.
“Some people think that domestic and sexual violence does not happen in small-town America, but the reality is that no place is immune from these terrible crimes,” says Public Relations Manager Jamie Roth. “We provide a free and confidential 24-hour hotline service so that survivors can reach a local, trained counselor at any time for support. We truly appreciate our volunteers and staff that make this service possible.”
Due to the sensitive nature of these crimes, prospective volunteers must complete a state-mandated crisis intervention training course in order to be properly qualified to assist survivors, including children. This non-credit course covers all of the required training for working and/or volunteering at an Illinois sexual assault crisis center and/or domestic violence agency or shelter. The course is taught by Victim Services staff who work firsthand with victims and their significant others.
“Our staff and volunteers understand that domestic and sexual violence can happen to anyone of any ability, age, sexual orientation, income, education level, religion, gender identity or ethnic background,” Roth continued. “Our instructors do their best to prepare volunteers for listening to each survivor’s story and giving possible solutions that will help that survivor in their specific situation.”
Classes for the fall semester will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning Monday, September 21, 2020, tentatively ending in mid-November. Sessions will meet from 5:30-9:30 p.m. on those evenings. The instructors may schedule one Saturday session in order to complete training earlier.
The location of Victim Services is confidential in order to protect the safety of staff and clients. Therefore, classes will be held at the office of Victim Services’ parent organization, Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA), 133 West Jackson Street, Macomb.
As the class is planned to be held in-person until further notice, extra precautions will be taken out of concern for the safety of students and instructors. All attendees must wear a facial covering and follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) physical distancing guidelines. In addition, all attendees will have their temperature checked and be asked a few basic health screening questions prior to entering the building.
The cost for the course is $100 for students and community members ages 18 and up; $150 for working professionals. Class size is limited. The registration deadline is Monday, September 14, 2020 at 4:00 p.m., or when the class is full. To register or learn more information, call Victim Services at (309) 837-6622.
Victim Services also needs individuals interested in volunteering for non-direct service opportunities throughout the year, including Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities in October. Individuals available to give an hour or two a month for these activities may also call the Volunteer Coordinator at (309) 837-6622.
Victim Services provides free and confidential services in a safe environment with knowledgeable staff members who are ready to provide emergency services, advocacy, counseling, professional training, and public education. For more information, call (309) 837-6622, visit wirpc.org, or find “WIRC-CAA Victim Services” on social media.
***Report Courtesy of the Western Illinois Regional Council***
