Womanspace seeks volunteers for Mercer County response teams

Womanspace is recruiting volunteers to join the nonprofit’s response teams in Mercer County.

Founded in 1977, Womanspace provides a wide array of emergency and follow-up services to individuals and families impacted by domestic and sexual violence.

Response teams consist of trained and dedicated volunteers who meet with victim-survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence during their times of crisis. The work of these volunteer advocates is essential in providing victim-survivors with the support and resources they need.

Volunteers provide compassionate support and resources to victim-survivors at difficult times. In cases of domestic violence, advocates meet victims at the police station. In cases of sexual assault, advocates meet victims at the hospital.

Advocates serve as unconditional champions of victim-survivors and share information and resources with them so they can advocate for themselves in the future, with a goal of empowering victim-survivors to make informed decisions that are best for their lives and families.

In 2023, Womanspace received 6,777 calls on the organization’s hotlines, and 364 victims received crisis assistance from a trained advocate.

Nationally, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience intimate partner physical violence, according to the CDC. Domestic and sexual violence remain significant issues in Mercer County.

“Supporting a survivor and watching them step into their empowerment is a gift,” said Anne Mavis, a volunteer since 2019. “It is a privilege and an honor to sit with them, listen to their stories, and provide them with resources that can help guide them.”

Applications are now being accepted for new volunteers. The deadline to apply is Sept. 24. Training begins Oct. 10. To apply, fill out and submit the application. If you have any questions, please email responseteamstraining@womanspace.org or call Varonda Kendrick at 609.394.0136, ext. 210.