Alliance: Newsletter: January 2003: Ask the Alliance!
Newsletter: January 2003: Ask the Alliance!
By [1] Kate Woodrow
Dear Alliance,
I am a college student living in Manhattan. A friend of mine was recently raped, and she came to me for help. I talked to her a lot, and when she decided to go to a hospital for a rape kit, and report the assault to the police, I encouraged her and accompanied her. I could tell it was really important to her to have someone with her throughout that process. I would like to volunteer as an advocate, to help others as I did my friend. How do I find an organization near me to work with? Can men be rape crisis advocates?
-Joe, Manhattan
Dear Joe,
It’s great that you were able to help your friend through that difficult time. As you may already know, rape crisis counselors accompany survivors of sexual assault to the hospital and advocate for them as they receive treatment, forensic evidence collection and, if they choose, report the crime to the NYPD. Some rape crisis counselors also work with victims of domestic violence, or provide counseling over the phone. And many programs train advocates in the spring, so you’re right on time to get involved!
Some programs only utilize female advocates, but a number of programs train male advocates as well. You can find a program near you, and call to inquire about their policy, by searching our online Resource Guide at www.nycagainstrape.org/resources.html. While you’re there, browse our volunteer opportunities page and sign up for volunteer e-mail alerts.
Good luck!
Kate Woodrow Outreach and Education Associate
Kate Woodrow is the Outreach and Education Associate at The New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault. [[2] more]
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[1]: http://www.nycagainstrape.org/home/nycaasa/stage.nycagainstrape.org/newsletter_author_1.html
[2]: http://www.nycagainstrape.org/home/nycaasa/stage.nycagainstrape.org/newsletter_author_1.html
[3]: http://www.nycagainstrape.org/home/nycaasa/stage.nycagainstrape.org/newsletter_column_1.html
[4]: http://www.nycagainstrape.org/home/nycaasa/stage.nycagainstrape.org/newsletter_article_121.html
[5]: http://www.nycagainstrape.org/home/nycaasa/stage.nycagainstrape.org/newsletter_article_123.html
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