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Making a Difference for Victims of Sexual Violence in Union County

Union County, NJ – A small cadre of dedicated volunteers makes an enormous difference in the lives of Union County residents who experience sexual violence. These volunteers staff the County’s Rape Crisis Center, a hotline and personal support service for victims.

The Rape Crisis Center welcomes new volunteers to join this spring. All volunteers are trained and mentored by professional staff in the Union County Department of Human Services.

“Victims of sexual violence experience are often isolated and unable to ask family or friends for help,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Our Rape Crisis Center volunteers help victims feel reconnected with the community, and feel empowered to take their lives back.”

“For anyone who is looking for a truly meaningful way to volunteer in the community, I strongly recommend contacting the Rape Crisis Center,” added Freeholder Chair Kowalski.

The next series of free training sessions for Rape Crisis Center volunteers will begin on April 2. All sessions take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, at the Rape Crisis Center offices in the Colleen Fraser Building, located at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

Trainees who successfully complete the course are certified as Confidential Advocates for victims of sexual violence.

Volunteers must be Union County residents at least 18 years of age, hold a valid driver’s license and have their own vehicle.

For more information about volunteering, call the Union County Rape Crisis Center at 908-233-7273 or visit the Rape Crisis Center’s blog at unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.com.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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