Volunteers needed for rape crisis service

Rape Crisis Services of Planned Parenthood of Rochester/Syracuse region is recruiting volunteers. There is an urgent need in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties for individuals to assist with this service, which offers free and confidential assistance to victims of sexual assault and their loved ones and is the only service of its kind in the area.

Rape Crisis Service offers sexual assault victims referrals, short term counseling, and support during medical exams, police investigations and court proceedings. Without these individuals who volunteer their time, the 24 hour a day, seven day a week service that RCS offers would not be available. Applicants must go through a screening and interview process. There is also mandatory training, which educates volunteers how to provide support to victims and their families, assist in the legal process and how to work with RCS counselors and other volunteers.

In March there will be a 32 hour training program. Those interested in volunteering for RCS must be at least 20 years of age, have their own transportation and be comfortable working with victims in a crisis situation. Information about how to volunteer can be found on the internet at www.pprsr.org or by contacting Kathy Pexton, regional volunteer coordinator of Planned Parenthood, at 585-546-2771 extension 338 or Terri Drennan, Rape Crisis Service area supervisor at 585-589-1312.