Become a SARC Volunteer
Be there when a survivor needs someone.
At YWCA Delaware’s Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC), our volunteer advocates provide compassionate, confidential support to survivors of sexual assault and other forms of violence—often during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
No prior experience in sexual assault advocacy is required. We provide comprehensive training, ongoing education, and support to prepare you for this important role.
Volunteer Opportunities in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties:
Wherever you live, there are opportunities to make a difference.
Sexual Assault Response Advocates (SARA)
Legal Assistance Response Advocates (LARA)
24/7 crisis hotline advocacy support from home or from one of our SARC centers.
In-person advocacy at hospitals, police stations and courts
No prior experience is required. All applicants complete an application and interview, and those who are approved receive comprehensive training and have access to a 24/7 supervisor for support during survivor accompaniment
Sexual Assault Helpline Advocate (Statewide)
Be there when someone reaches out for help.
You don't need prior experience to make a difference. Sexual Assault Helpline Advocates provide compassionate, confidential support to survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence and human trafficking through SARC's 24/7 crisis helpline.
As a Helpline Advocate, you may:
Answer SARC's 24/7 crisis helpline remotely from a quiet, private location.
Provide crisis intervention, emotional support and information to callers.
Connect survivors and their loved ones with community resources and services.
Conduct safety, suicide risk and lethality assessments when appropriate.
Help connect callers with the support they need beyond the immediate crisis.
Communicate with the on-call SARC Supervisor throughout your shift.
Complete accurate documentation following each call.
Helpline Advocates are a critical first point of contact for people reaching out during times of crisis. By listening without judgment, providing immediate support and connecting callers with resources, you can help someone take the next step toward safety and healing.
Volunteers complete an application and interview and receive comprehensive training and ongoing support. No prior experience is required. Advocates must complete initial training and advanced workshops and participate in ongoing education, meetings and debriefing sessions.
Sexual Assault Helpline Advocate Commitment:
18 years of age or older
Secure internet and private computer access (no public Wi-Fi)
Ability to learn and operate YWCA Delaware's SARC crisis software
A telephone with call waiting or access to two phones
Ability to pass a background check (fee reimbursed by YWCA Delaware)
Completion of 50 hours of comprehensive training, offered during evenings, weekends and online to accommodate a variety of schedules
Participation in scheduled meetings, debriefings and ongoing educational sessions
Ability to respond to helpline calls during your selected on-call shifts
Ability to work from a quiet, private location while answering calls
Sexual Assault Response Advocate (SARA)
Support survivors when they need it most.
Sexual Assault Response Advocates, or SARAs, are the backbone of SARC’s 24/7 response to sexual assault. Volunteers provide a compassionate, confidential presence for survivors and the people who support them.
As a SARA, you may:
Provide emotional support, information and resources to survivors and their significant others, family members and friends.
Respond in person to hospitals, police stations and courts throughout New Castle and Sussex counties.
Help survivors understand their options and connect them with resources and services.
Provide a calm, supportive presence during times of crisis.
Through comprehensive training and ongoing education, you’ll build the skills needed to provide professional, trauma-informed crisis intervention and advocacy.
SARA Commitment
18 years of age or older
Secure internet and computer access (no public Wi-Fi)
Reliable transportation
Ability to respond in person to hospitals, police stations or courts in New Castle or Sussex County
A telephone with call waiting or access to two phones
Ability to pass a background check (fee reimbursed by YWCA Delaware)
Willingness to participate in required medical and legal advocacy training
Completion of 50 hours of comprehensive training, offered during evenings, weekends and online to accommodate a variety of schedules
Participation in scheduled meetings, debriefings and ongoing educational sessions
Legal Assistance Response Advocate - LARA
Help survivors navigate the legal system with compassion and confidence.
You don't need to be a legal professional to make a difference.
Legal Assistance Response Advocates, or LARAs, provide compassionate, confidential support to survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence and human trafficking as they navigate the legal system.
LARAs may:
Help survivors complete petitions for civil legal protection orders.
Accompany survivors to court hearings.
Provide emotional support and information throughout the legal process.
Answer questions and connect survivors with resources.
Assist with Protection From Abuse Orders (PFAs), Sexual Violence Protection Orders (SVPOs) and Lethal Violence Protection Orders (LVPOs).
During an on-call shift, LARAs must be available to respond to SARC offices and/or the New Castle County Courthouse Family and Superior Court departments as needed.
LARA Commitment
18 years of age or older
Secure internet and computer access (no public Wi-Fi)
Ability to commit to at least two six-hour shifts per month
Reliable transportation
Ability to respond in person to the New Castle County Courthouse Family and Superior Court departments
Completion of required training
This opportunity is available in New Castle County, with plans to expand to Kent and Sussex counties.
Why Volunteer with SARC?
Volunteer advocates are an essential part of SARC’s 24/7 safety net for survivors.
When someone calls in crisis, arrives at a hospital or police station, or faces the legal system after experiencing violence, having a trained, compassionate advocate by their side can make all the difference.
Your time can help a survivor feel heard, supported and empowered to make informed decisions about what comes next.
Ready to make a difference?
Complete the volunteer application below to get started.
Have questions about volunteering with SARC?
Contact:
Debbie Litten, Victim Services Director
302.650.2529
dlitten@ywcade.org
SARC VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with YWCA Delaware’s Sexual Assault Response Center. Please complete the application below.