(Green Bay, Wis.) – The Sexual Assault Center of Family Services is experiencing a shortage of volunteer advocates in Brown County. Volunteer advocates help maintain the center’s 24-hour hotline, which provides support for survivors of sexual assault, abuse or harassment and their loved ones.

At least 10 additional volunteers are needed to help on nights and weekends to ensure that no call goes unanswered. Last year, staff and volunteers of the Sexual Assault Center answered 1,690 hotline calls and provided support and resources to 1,189 individuals in Brown, Door, Oconto and Marinette Counties. Of the survivors served, 42% were under the age of 18.

“Volunteer advocates are a critical part of our program,” says Sexual Assault Center Supervisor Samantha Jurczykowski. “They ensure that victims of sexual assault receive the support they need.”

Volunteer advocates answer hotline calls and may also accompany victims to the hospital for a Sexual Assault Nurse Exam (SANE) and to the police department, if a victim chooses to report the assault. No experience is necessary but volunteers must be over the age of 18. Anyone interested in volunteering should call (920) 436-8899 or apply online using the form below or at https://www.familyservicesnew.org/get-involved. After applying, volunteers must complete the required training, which can be done at their own pace.

The Sexual Assault Center of Family Services is one of 45 nonprofits selected to take part in Give BIG Green Bay this year. Those who are not able to volunteer but would still like to support the Sexual Assault Center with a donation are encouraged to visit www.givebiggreenbay.org and give to the Sexual Assault Center – and other local nonprofits – during the event, Feb. 23-24, noon to noon.