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Rape Crisis Service has urgent need for volunteers

By Billie Owens

Rape Crisis Service is currently recruiting volunteers for our spring training cycle. There is an urgent need in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties for individuals to assist with this important service, which offers free and confidential assistance to victims of sexual assault and their loved ones and is the only one of its kind in the area.

Rape Crisis Service (RCS) offers sexual assault victims' referrals, short-term counseling and support during medical exams, police investigations and court proceedings. Being a RCS volunteer is a very rewarding experience, and without these important individuals who volunteer their time -- 24-hours-a-day, 7 days a week -- the services that RCS offers would not be available.

No prior experience is needed, as RCS provides all volunteers with New York State Department of Health mandated training that educates them how to provide support to victims and their families, assist in the legal process, and how to work with RCS counselors and other volunteers.

Those interested in volunteering for RCS must be at least 20 years of age and be comfortable working with victims in a crisis situation. We are seeking volunteers who can take phone calls from their home as well as volunteers who are able to accompany victims to the hospital or police station.

The time commitment is flexible, and at the volunteer's discretion. If you have always wanted to be an advocate for people in your community, this may be your volunteer opportunity!

Further information about how to volunteer and become involved in Rape Crisis Service can be found on the internet at www.pprsr.org or by contacting Theresa Asmus, Rape Crisis Service area supervisor at 344-0516, ext. 111.

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