Community Solutions will host another six-week state certified
Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Volunteer Advocate Training in
Gilroy starting July 13.
Community Solutions will host another six-week state certified Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Volunteer Advocate Training in Gilroy starting July 13.
The program aims to train volunteers to become Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocates. Their duties include: assisting sexual assault survivors through crisis lines, victim advocacy, shelter work, and providing education to schools and communities about abuse and assault. In addition, advocates won’t be called to testify in court, allowing them the confidentiality to work directly with survivors and victims.
“This training is an opportunity … to help us create a community where survivors feel safe coming forward and attackers are held accountable for their actions,” said Amy M. Molica, program specialist for the Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention Programs at Community Solutions.
According to Community Solutions, statistics show one out of three girls and one out of four boys will be assaulted before the age of 18, and one out of three women will be abused by an intimate partner at some point in their life. The goal of the training is to prevent these occurrences through education.
“No one person or agency can eliminate sexual violence or domestic violence on their own,” said Molica. “With the help of committed volunteers we can work together to educate others.”
The training begins July 13 and ends Aug. 19. Classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 5:30-9 p.m. Those interested in applying should call Molica at (408) 846-4751. Applicants must be over 18 years old, and should not have received services from Community Solutions within the past two years.
Community Solutions is a private, not-for-profit agency serving South County and the surrounding areas. Founded as a teen drop-in center in 1972, the agency currently provides a wide spectrum of services in response to issues of mental health, substance abuse, teen parenting, family dysfunction, sexual assault, juvenile delinquency, domestic violence, homelessness and youth development.
