The Victim Center in Springfield is looking for people to serve as volunteer victim advocates to provide crisis intervention services to violent or sexual crime victims. This is an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of people in our community who are experiencing their darkest hour.

Volunteer Victim Advocates are essential for maintaining The Victim Center’s 24-hour crisis hotline. The Victim Center serves victims of violent and sexual crimes -- all ages and genders -- including assault, family violence, child abuse/neglect, rape, homicide, adult survivors (people who were victimized as children), robbery, alcohol crashes, and secondary crime victims of all types.

The role of volunteer advocates is to provide crisis intervention by phone. Volunteer Victim Advocates choose two-to-four call shifts per month and attend a monthly meeting for training and support. Volunteers take calls from their own homes when they are on call and have 24-hour access to back-up support, and their personal information is protected.

To volunteer, one must be 21 years old (or very close to it), pass a national background and reference check, and have a phone. There are numerous opportunities to participate in volunteer victim advocate training. Our training schedule is as follows:

• September 2023 Training: September 16 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• November 2023 Training: November 11 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Candidates must complete an interview and application process before participation in training. Please contact Adam Bollar, Director of Crisis Intervention, at volunteerprogram@thevictimcenter.org or call 417-863-7273 for more information.

About The Victim Center

The Victim Center serves victims of violent and sexual crimes. The Victim Center maintains a 24-hour hotline number for crisis intervention and support and offers counseling services in the office. Prevention education programs for schools, community, and professional groups are also offered. There is no fee for any of the services provided.