University of Wisconsion - Eau Claire

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Proposal

Anti-Violence Hotline/On-Call Advocate for the Family Support Center

30 hours

Community partner: Family Support Center
Supervisor: Jeni Haddad
Beginning date:
2024-01-01
Ending Date:
2025-01-01

Service-Learning Proposal Description

1.

Briefly describe the project and the community need to be addressed.

Answer On-Call Advocate volunteers provide evening, weekend and holiday coverage for our 24-hour crisis line. Advocates serve as a compassionate presence for those who have been experienced violence and need support. On-Call Advocates operate out of their own homes, using their personal phones. Training is offered twice per year as needed. Quarterly in-services offered throughout the year. One year commitment required. Here are some of the services our volunteers provide during hotline calls: • Counseling • Individual and systems advocacy • Restraining order assistance and preparation • Safety planning • Sheltering • Support during sexual assault exams • Developing coping strategies • Information and referral

2.

What is the mission of the agency or organization?

Answer The Family Support Center empowers all individuals, families and communities to live free from domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and interpersonal violence through education, prevention and intervention.

3.

What skills are required for this project? 

Answer • Good communication and crisis intervention skills • Driver’s license and valid proof of insurance • Successful completion of volunteer application, background check, and interview • Successful completion of On-Call Advocate training (approximately 24 hours total) • Participation in quarterly in-services for On-Call Advocates • Prompt follow-up and responses with Family Support Center staff re: both calls and scheduling requests • Be available to be on-call approximately 4-7 times a month • Willing to work under the supervision of the Domestic Violence Program Director • Adherence to on-call guidelines and Family Support Center policies, including a COVID vaccination policy and fingerprinting requirements per our grant guidelines

4.

What are the objectives for the student learning and service?

Answer • Respond promptly to calls on the 24-hour crisis line • Maintain confidentiality of callers and program participants • Establish safety and support for callers • Provide advocacy for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault via phone and in-person when necessary • Assist with medical advocacy and law enforcement advocacy, as well facilitating shelter and transportation when necessary • Communicate promptly with Family Support Center staff for follow-up after calls and when scheduling • Learn about and embody principles of anti-violence advocacy • Learn and discuss dynamics of power and control in relationships as well as systems of power and oppression

5.

What are the availability requirements for the student?

Answer Advocates sign up for shifts, which are 4:30pm-8:30am on weekdays, as well as 24-hour shifts on holidays and Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. We are looking for an approximate one-year minimum commitment because of the extensive training provided. Advocates choose which days they can be on-call and are expected to have their phone on and be able to respond to calls confidentially on those days. Advocates take calls from their homes, using their personal phones. Transportation to the hospital, a law enforcement agency, and/or a safe shelter may be requested, depending on the needs of the caller.

6.

Additional information (not required).

Answer Training is 24 hours over 6 4-hour sessions and is offered twice a year. We ask that Advocates take about one shift per week. You will not always get calls when on a shift.
Center for Service-Learning • Old Library 2100 • University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire • Eau Claire WI 54702-4004
A Unit of: Advising, Retention + Career Center
Phone: 715-836-4649 • Fax: 715-836-4023
Questions/Comments: srvlearn@uwec.edu
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