OUSAP is currently accepting rolling applications from those interested in becoming a volunteer peer advocate.
The Ohio University Survivor Advocacy Program, overseen by the Women’s Center, is now accepting rolling applications for new peer advocates.
OUSAP is dedicated to helping victims and survivors of sexual assault, stalking, and dating and domestic violence, as well as fighting the culture of sexual abuse, according to its mission statement.
Peer advocates help OUSAP complete its mission by staffing the crisis hotline and assisting with medical and legal proceedings. An advocate may also provide anything from general knowledge of OUSAP and confidential support to accompanying survivors to local medical facilities and guiding them through the process of contacting law enforcement.
“(Peer advocates) have to spend some time in the office every week and commit to our program for a full academic year,” said Delaney Anderson, the program coordinator.
Katlyn Merkle, the graduate assistant for the program, is in charge of recruiting peer advocates and said she will have more information as the process develops.
“It’s one of those things where you hope they aren’t that busy, because you hope that no one is ever put in a situation where they would need it,” said Heaven Herrold, an freshman who has not declared a major interested in becoming a volunteer.
In addition to signing a confidentiality agreement, advocates must also take a three-hour course for a semester or complete comprehensive 40-hour advocate training.
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“We want to make sure people working with survivors on campus are trained in how to most appropriately support them, most appropriately empower them and best inform them of the different processes and options that are available,” Anderson said.
The course, which will take place this fall, looks at different theoretical bases for advocacy, including crisis theory, crisis intervention, the empowerment approach, as well as communication tactics and safety planning.
“There’s a lot that they need to know in order to be an effective and strong advocate,” Anderson said.
Herrold said training like this is vital to shifting views in society.
“RAs, professors, students — I think everyone should go through some type of training like this. I think it would change the way some people look at things,” she said.
Merkle, who oversees the advocates, said it is a wonderful opportunity to get involved on campus, and could be especially rewarding depending on certain career paths.
“Whether it’s nonprofit, counseling, social work, this obviously is a great way to get that direct client interaction,” Merkle said.
In addition to operating the hotline, advocates have daily responsibilities in the office such as researching for clients, working on informational documents, speaking with walk-ins and sometimes representing OUSAP at different student events.
“It’s hard work, but it can be very rewarding,” Merkle said.
Applications for peer advocacy can be picked up at the OUSAP office in the basement of McKee Hall on 44 University Terrace or delivered through email by contacting survivor.advocacy@ohio.edu.
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