Hotline Volunteer

For information about the next training class for Hotline Volunteers, contact Debra Schramek, Volunteer Coordinator, at 447-7100, or by e-mail: cvsvc@albanycounty.com.

The Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center volunteers staff the 24-hour hotline on weekdays, evenings, weekends, overnights, and holidays. Through the use of a call forwarding system, volunteers are able to answer the hotline from their homes.

Volunteers provide support and information to victims and/or their families and friends.  When necessary, volunteers meet victims at a local hospital emergency room or police stations.

Potential volunteers will have a screening interview before being accepted into the volunteer training program.  The program involves 35 hours of intensive training, covering such topics as crisis intervention, counseling skills, hotline procedures, medical and legal advocacy, role playing, and working with different types of populations, including children.  In addition, volunteers must attend monthly meetings with the staff for supervision and in-service training on the first Tuesday evening of every month.

What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual contact.  It can be physical or non-physical, and may include rape, sodomy, fondling, incest, sexual harassment, child sexual abuse, pornography, or prostitution.

Who volunteers?

• Anyone over the age of 18 may be a volunteer.
• The ability to listen, understand, empathize with, and support callers is needed.
• Volunteers must be available to meet with victims and advocate for their rights in medical and legal settings.
• Through the training program, volunteers will gain an understanding of the issues surrounding sexual assault and its impact on victims.

A Special Note to Students:
The Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center offers students the opportunity to learn crisis intervention and counseling skills. For students considering counseling as a future career, we offer a chance to experience this field first hand. Check with your academic advisor or the Center to find out about how you can earn credits while volunteering at the Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center.

How Do I Volunteer?

Contact the Albany County Crime Victim And Sexual Violence Center:
Albany County Office Building
112 State Street, Room 1100
Albany, New York 12207
Telephone: (518) 447-7100
Email:  cvsvc@albanycounty.com

Click HERE to download the Crime Victim & Sexual Violence Center Rape Crisis Hotline Volunteer Application.  

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