Sexual Assault Recovery and Healing (SARAH) Crisis Program Volunteer
<p>The <a href="https://survivors-hope.ca/sarah/" target="_blank">SARAH volunteer’s role</a> is to provide support to individuals reporting a historical or recent sexual assault at RCMP detachments and emergency departments within Interlake-Eastern Manitoba.</p><p>Our volunteers have varied life, education and work experiences, but all see the value of supporting survivors of sexual violence. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old, able to deal with people in crisis in a calm, empathetic, and non-judgmental manner, and have excellent communication and listening skills. The applicant must also have a valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle, and be willing to travel in Interlake-Eastern Manitoba.</p><p>SARAH Volunteers support & empower survivors in hospitals and RCMP detachments in the following ways:</p><ul><li>“Sit With” </li><li>Emotionally support and validate survivors’ experience</li><li>Provide support & compassion for survivors’ loved ones who are present</li><li>Normalize responses to trauma</li><li>Provide information on medical & legal options, assisting survivors in making informed decisions</li><li>Provide advocacy & empowerment, ensuring the survivor’s rights and needs are forefront</li><li>Assess & document risk, including suicide/self-harm, child welfare, and harm to others</li><li>Offer information on community resources and services available</li><li>Respect and preserve privacy of personal information as required by Personal Health Information Act (PHIA)</li></ul><p>Survivor’s Hope supports our volunteers in the following ways:</p><ul><li>Comprehensive training on:<ul><li>Trauma-informed care</li><li>Responding to sexual violence survivors</li><li>Suicide assessment & intervention</li><li>Harm reduction</li><li>Medical & legal options following a sexual assault</li><li>Third Party Reporting</li><li>Traditional healing practices</li><li>Child protection policies</li></ul></li><li>Feedback, support, and immediate opportunities to debrief</li><li>Facilitating monthly meetings with volunteer group for connection & further training opportunities</li><li>Volunteer recognition & appreciation of commitment</li></ul><p><br>SARAH volunteers provide on-call availability to respond to crisis calls, typically during 1 weekend per month, or are their availability allows. SARAH volunteer must complete comprehensive training prior to volunteering: <br><br><strong>Next Training Dates & Locations:</strong></p><ul><li>November 14 & 15th, 2026 – in-person in Selkirk</li><li>November 28 & 29th, 2026 – online</li><li><strong>Attending all training dates is mandatory</strong></li></ul>