Volunteer - DVSAS: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services

Your time can be someone else's lifeline.

DVSAS Volunteers ensure that no matter when it is, or where they are, victims of violence or assault don’t have to be alone. From answering the 24-hour helpline, to working with children affected by violence, to reaching out to the community to share resources, volunteers help each survivor find their voice and take back their lives. Apply to volunteer today!

If you are interested in attending our training for professional development, please fill out the volunteer application. We typically cap it at 5 professionals per training.

Advocacy Counselor Training

DVSAS Advocacy Counselor Training (ACT) is required for all volunteers interested in working directly with client and doing outreach. This 52-hour course will provide you with the skills you need to help survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault heal themselves. The next ACT will be September 16-20, 2024. Click here to apply!

Sessions

Advocacy Counselor Training will be in person, from 9-5 at DVSAS' downtown support center. The next ACT will begin on September 16, 2024 and end on September 20, 2024.

All sessions cover the essential information needed to work directly with clients.

Session topics include:

Introduction to DVSAS
Introduction to Advocacy
Domestic Violence Dynamics
Sexual Assault Dynamics
Violence and Youth
Effects of Trauma
Advocacy Up Close
Legal Advocacy
Protection Orders
Anti-Oppression
Advanced Advocacy
Working with Systems

Unfortunately there are no make-up sessions so please make sure that you can attend every training session, without exception. If you cannot make all sessions, you can apply for the next training period.

For questions, please contact Amber Icay, 24-Hour Services Manager

Volunteer descriptions

Volunteer FAQs

What training is required to volunteer with DVSAS?

The Advocate Core Training (ACT) is required if you are hoping to work directly with clients. ACT is a total of 53 hours and takes about 4 weeks to complete. There are also an orientation session, and training shifts.

All training sessions are required to work directly with clients and make up sessions are not available so it is important that you are available to commit to the entire training. If you’re interested in volunteering with DVSAS behind the scenes, we have many opportunities with shorter and more flexible training.

How often do you offer training?

ACT generally happens three times a year, in April, July, and October. Community Outreach, Children's Program, and Office Support trainings are offered as needed.

What if the next training is several months away?

You can apply online at our website any time and we will contact you about 4-6 weeks before training begins to schedule an interview. In the meantime, please consider one of our other volunteer opportunities and sign up for emails at www.dvsas.org.

How do I know if volunteering will fit in my schedule?

Violence doesn’t have a schedule, so DVSAS is there 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Shifts run 24-hours a day every day of the year and we provide the flexibility to work around any schedule. We ask that volunteers who go through ACT make a commitment to stay with us for a minimum of one year. We understand that a commitment like that won’t fit everyone’s schedule.

Please consider looking into other volunteer opportunities at www.dvsas.org that have shorter training and time commitments.

We want everyone who wants to volunteer with DVSAS be able to do so whether it’s once a week, once a month, or for a one time event.

how often can I volunteer?

It is up to you to determine how much time you want to commit, but volunteer advocacy counselors (those who go through ACT) are asked to take at least 4 shifts per month. Shifts range from 4 hour in-office shifts to 12 hour on-call shifts.

what kinds of qualifications do I need?

To volunteer with DVSAS you should have a commitment to ending domestic violence and sexual assault and be comfortable working with people of varying socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, mental health backgrounds, and racial diversity. We also ask that potential volunteers be able to attend training, pass a criminal background check, and reference check. For specific qualifications please see each volunteer description.

Do you offer any internships?

Yes! See Employment Opportunities for current openings. Please note that all direct service internships require going through ACT.

What will I do as a volunteer?

We have six different areas to volunteer in:

Advocacy Counseling
Children’s Program
Court Support
Criminal Justice Advocacy
Office Support
Safe Shelter Program

Please see “Volunteer Descriptions” to get a better understanding of each volunteer area.

Other Ways to Get Involved

Events and Tabling Opportunities

DVSAS has several fundraising events throughout the year and we always need volunteers. Interested parties must be willing to undergo a background check, and be available to volunteer at least 4 hours per week for a minimum 6-month commitment. Check out the Events page or send an email to the Event Coordinator for more information.

Maintenance & Facilities Volunteer Opportunities

DVSAS has several buildings that need lots of TLC. Everything from paint touch-ups to routine landscaping. Interested parties must be willing to undergo a background check, and be available to volunteer at least 4 hours per week for a minimum 6-month commitment. Please send an email to the Facilities Team for more information.

Administrative Volunteer Opportunities

With all DVSAS does to directly support survivors, there are also many tasks behind-the-scenes we need help with: filing, database entry, research projects, reception support, etc. Interested parties must be willing to undergo a background check, and be available to volunteer at least 4 hours per week for a minimum 6-month commitment. Please send an email to the Admin Team for more information.

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