UCRCC Spotlight:
Confidential
Sexual Violence
Advocate, Bianca S.
What inspired you to become a CSVA?
I have always had a desire to help others in any way that I could, but it was personal experience that led me to want to become a CSVA. Going through situations of varying degrees throughout my childhood as well as my adult life, I knew that I would never want anyone to feel scared and alone when dealing with such traumatic experiences. After a couple of years of being unable to fit training into my schedule, I tried again and was finally able to make it happen.
I have always had a desire to help others in any way that I could, but it was personal experience that led me to want to become a CSVA. Going through situations of varying degrees throughout my childhood as well as my adult life, I knew that I would never want anyone to feel scared and alone when dealing with such traumatic experiences. After a couple of years of being unable to fit training into my schedule, I tried again and was finally able to make it happen.
What was the training like in comparison to the reality of serving survivors?
All the information acquired during training is key in knowing how to interact with and assist survivors. The role-plays were the most helpful for me. They were so close to the real thing that I grew to understand the importance of simply listening.
All the information acquired during training is key in knowing how to interact with and assist survivors. The role-plays were the most helpful for me. They were so close to the real thing that I grew to understand the importance of simply listening.
What is your goal in serving survivors? Particularly, what unique qualities do you identify within yourself to assist you in serving survivors?
My goal is to have survivors know that they are not alone and to leave them feeling like they can, and will, get through their experience. Listening with an open heart and empathizing is the best way I know to provide the support that they need.
My goal is to have survivors know that they are not alone and to leave them feeling like they can, and will, get through their experience. Listening with an open heart and empathizing is the best way I know to provide the support that they need.
Why do you think advocacy for those affected by sexual violence is so important?
Advocacy for survivors is so important because they have already been through an experience that has left them feeling vulnerable and weak. Most are unaware of their options and numerous resources they can turn to. That is where the CSVA comes in, to help them through the process and make sure that their voices are heard.
Advocacy for survivors is so important because they have already been through an experience that has left them feeling vulnerable and weak. Most are unaware of their options and numerous resources they can turn to. That is where the CSVA comes in, to help them through the process and make sure that their voices are heard.
Do you have anything you’d like to share with people thinking about volunteering with the UCRCC?
Volunteering with the UCRCC has taught me so much. It is challenging work, but the outcome is worth it all. If you have the desire and the time to help, please do it. Not only do we need great people on our team, but the survivors need us most of all!
Volunteering with the UCRCC has taught me so much. It is challenging work, but the outcome is worth it all. If you have the desire and the time to help, please do it. Not only do we need great people on our team, but the survivors need us most of all!
Is there anything you’d specifically like to share with the people reading this ?
I was very nervous at first, wondering if I would be able to help survivors going through such a difficult time. I wasn’t sure if it would bring up feelings for me or if I would be able to connect with them the way they needed. On my first accompaniment, I had a survivor reach for my hand. That moment, I realized I was meant to be there, and she was glad that I was there for her. Every situation is different, but I am more confident now that I can handle it with the training I received and the support of the great team at the Union County Rape Crisis Center (UCRCC).
I was very nervous at first, wondering if I would be able to help survivors going through such a difficult time. I wasn’t sure if it would bring up feelings for me or if I would be able to connect with them the way they needed. On my first accompaniment, I had a survivor reach for my hand. That moment, I realized I was meant to be there, and she was glad that I was there for her. Every situation is different, but I am more confident now that I can handle it with the training I received and the support of the great team at the Union County Rape Crisis Center (UCRCC).