Applications available for St. Francis Counseling Service’s Winter Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate Training

Photo via nj.com
Certified volunteers will help support victims of
 sexual assault through hotline calls and in person.

In view of the local and national discussion on sexual assault awareness, which is prevalent on college campuses as well as in communities spanning Ocean County, a Winter Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate Training, hosted by St. Francis Counseling Service, will be held at the Toms River South High School every Monday from 6 to 9 p.m., for 12 weeks beginning Jan. 5. Individuals interested in providing guidance, support, information and referrals to survivors of violence through hospital accompaniments and hotline calls are invited to take part in the program.

“St. Francis Community Center recognizes the importance of developing a methodology that treats sexual assault victims with sensitivity and understanding,” said Erin Borysewicz, sexual assault/abuse prevention outreach coordinator at St. Francis Counseling Service. “The dignified, compassionate and well-organized treatment of victims is an essential element in creating an environment in which individuals feel safe reaching out for support and assistance.”

The volunteer services are expected to help promote healing for the victim as well as to improve the identification and collection of evidence in all cases of sexual assault. By collaborating with community partners, the program also serves to bridge the gap of awareness for community members who may benefit from the services.

“Every survivor has a story, sometimes that goes untold,” said Borysewicz. “We provide a safe place for survivors to gain strength, empowerment and begin to take control back in their lives. ... We are looking to increase our number of trained CSVAs in Ocean County, in order to better serve both community and campus settings with the victim-centered approach of advocacy and awareness.”

Applications for the service training can be obtained by emailing Borysewicz at e.borysewicz@stfrancislbi.org. For more information, call 609-494-1554.

— Kelley Anne Essinger


This article was published in The SandPaper.