Sexual Assault Response Team

“Research shows that when a survivor receives compassionate support during the initial response, it has a significant impact on their healing”

 

Responsibilities

  • Provide immediate emotional support to survivors of recent sexual assaults (all genders, 13+)
  • Facilitate accompaniment to the clinic, hospital, and medical/police involvement as requested by the survivor.
  • Provide information regarding medical and forensic procedures, and options for reporting to police.  Survivors are given the opportunity to make informed choices.
  • Provide information on follow-up counselling and justice-related services available through Victoria Sexual Assault Centre.
  • Provide support and information to family and other support people who are present with the survivor.
  • Represent the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre in a professional manner and champion on behalf of the survivor when necessary.

Commitment

  • three on-call shifts per month for a year (36 shifts total)
  • shifts are overnights and weekends

Training

  • Training is typically offered once a year. It is a 47 hour training program over a three month period facilitated by VSAC staff and counsellors. Training provides both skill development and personal growth work through a series of lectures and role play opportunities.

Requirements

  • Over 19 years old
  • Criminal record check
  • Live in the Greater Victoria area
  • This volunteer position is open to Cis-women, Trans, Two-Spirit, and gender non-conforming peoples

Application Process

  1. Application: We ask that all potential SART volunteers fill out an application form. All information given in the application remains confidential. To receive an application contact the Coordinator of Volunteers at .
  2. Interview: After completion and review of the application, selected applicants will be scheduled for an interview with the Coordinator of Volunteers. This gives us a chance to learn more about you as well as an opportunity for you to learn more about the program.
  3. Acceptance: After an interview and reference check, all volunteers will be informed by the Coordinator of Volunteers if they have been accepted into training.
  4. Training: It is 47 hrs training over a three month period – volunteers are required to attend every session.
  5. Final Review: After evaluation from training, all volunteers will be informed by the Coordinator of Volunteers if they have been accepted as a SART volunteer.

SART Application: email

Next Training

  • September 2020

If you wish to apply or would like more information, please contact the Coordinator of Volunteers at 250-383 – 5545 Ext. 126 or 

Thank You for Volunteering With Us!

We look forward to hearing from you.