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Become a Sexual Assault Volunteer Advocate

Become a Sexual Assault Volunteer Advocate

Vera House is currently recruiting candidates for a Sexual Assault Volunteer Advocate training.  To complete the training, you must attend an interview with our Volunteer Coordinator as well as complete three training sessions which are scheduled :

  • Friday, October 20th from 5  - 9 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 21st  from 9 a.m – 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 28th from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Once you have completed the training, Sexual Assault Volunteer Advocates respond to local emergency rooms to support victims of a recent sexual assault.  Our volunteers provide non-judgmental support and information during this time of crisis. This volunteer is typically the first person a victim sees at the ER, and can make all the difference in how they begin their recovery process. Volunteers are present during the medical exam and evidence collection process, and help the patient keep track of all the medications they are receiving, as well as the instructions for their follow-up care. Volunteers will also connect the patient with Vera House for a follow-up phone call and free counseling services. They also assist with paperwork that can pay for expenses related to this crime for the victims' lifetime.

This is a very challenging, but extremely rewarding role. The volunteer shifts for this program are during evening, overnight and weekend hours. We ask that each volunteer take 2-3 shifts per month of their choice. The volunteer is able to take their on-call shift while at home, and just needs to be available to respond to the ER within 30 minutes of being called. We receive about 8-12 calls per month (out of a possible 60 shifts), so many times you would be on call, you would never be called to go out.

Trainings take place at the Vera House Offices located at 723 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13203.

Please click HERE to complete our online volunteer application form. Upon receipt of your application, our Volunteer Coordinators will contact you.

If you have any questions, click HERE to contact our Volunteer Coordinator or call our office at 315-425-0818 x2249.

A Message to Andrew Cuomo

“The Friends of Andrew Cuomo” spent over $300,000 to launch an ad campaign designed to paint former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo as a victim of political attacks because of the sexual harassment claims against him. We cannot allow this gaslighting to continue while the ad revictimizes victims of not only Cuomo’s sexual harassment but ANYONE who has ever experienced abuse. The tactics used by Cuomo and his supporters further represent the barriers that survivors face every day that prevent them from coming forward and getting support. 

 

We at Vera House have asked Andrew Cuomo to take accountability for the harm he has caused on multiple occasions. Instead of admitting to his wrongdoings, he continues to use power and control to suppress and invalidate the truths of the survivors.  Today we released a video, produced by Solon Quinn Studios and supported by Survivors’ Network, that sends a powerful message to survivors, "I believe you."  

 

We are asking you to help us amplify the video so that survivors throughout New York and the rest of the world know that we believe and stand with them. 

 

Here’s how to get involved:  

1. Share our post on Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter  

2. Engage with our content on Instagram and TikTok   

3. Share survivor support resources from your organization  

4. Tag @verahouseinc  

 

For any questions or to request an interview with a member of Survivors' Network, please contact us at: communications@verahouse.org