UCRCC Spotlight:
Confidential
Sexual Violence
What inspired you to become a CSVA?
I saw a Facebook post on the need for Confidential Sexual Violence Advocates (CSVAs) in Union County. I didn’t know about the services that are available for survivors of sexual assault. After reading details on the role of a CSVA, I immediately wanted to volunteer. I can empathize with the trauma and sheer, overwhelming experience a survivor of sexual assault deals with. Volunteering with the Union County Rape Crisis Center is a way of giving help and support to those affected by sexual assault.
What was the training like in comparison to the reality of serving survivors?
Training completely showed the reality of serving survivors, especially the role plays for hotline calls and accompaniments. Elements of scenarios that I practiced during training actually occurred while serving survivors.
Training completely showed the reality of serving survivors, especially the role plays for hotline calls and accompaniments. Elements of scenarios that I practiced during training actually occurred while serving survivors.
What is your goal in serving survivors? Particularly, what unique qualities do you identify within yourself to assist you in serving survivors?
I am a supportive and caring person by nature. I am always looking to help family and friends through challenging events. In addition, I served as a Peer Mediator in high school. Many of the skills I learned back then, I’ve been able to use into my adulthood.
I am a supportive and caring person by nature. I am always looking to help family and friends through challenging events. In addition, I served as a Peer Mediator in high school. Many of the skills I learned back then, I’ve been able to use into my adulthood.
Why do you think advocacy for those affected by sexual violence is so important?
Victims and their significant others face tremendous challenges in dealing with such a traumatic event. Having an Advocate can empower them through such an experience. In addition, an Advocate can share information for resources that might help survivors through the incident and their healing process.
Victims and their significant others face tremendous challenges in dealing with such a traumatic event. Having an Advocate can empower them through such an experience. In addition, an Advocate can share information for resources that might help survivors through the incident and their healing process.
Do you have anything you’d like to share with people thinking about volunteering with the UCRCC?
The training classes and extensive role-play practice prepared me for my role as a CSVA. As Advocates, we are called upon to serve survivors and their families during a very traumatic event. Our presence and advocacy on their behalf can help them through the experience.
The training classes and extensive role-play practice prepared me for my role as a CSVA. As Advocates, we are called upon to serve survivors and their families during a very traumatic event. Our presence and advocacy on their behalf can help them through the experience.
Is there anything you’d specifically like to share with the people reading this ?
I am honored to serve as a volunteer with the UCRCC. The work we perform and the support we provide are crucial in helping victims gain the resources and advocacy they need to empower themselves as survivors of sexual assault.