Serving Campus and the Community

319-335-6000 or 800-228-1625

Volunteer

Rape Victim Advocacy Program volunteers are the backbone of our agency.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at: volunteer-coordinator-rvap@uiowa.edu or click here for an application.

The University of Iowa Rape Victim Advocacy Program (RVAP) is offering training for advocates and volunteers who wish to help those impacted by sexual assault. During training, advocates will learn about topics concerning sexual abuse and counseling including general facts about sexual abuse, sexual harassment, incest, the medical and legal processes, victim impact, healing from sexual assault, crisis intervention skills, cross-cultural counseling skills, and general counseling skills. Summer training starts Monday, June 1 and includes 32 hours of training at the RVAP office, 320 S. Linn St. in Iowa City.

Direct Service Volunteer (Advocate)

Advocates provide support, information and referrals on our 24-hour local and statewide crisis lines and/or provide in-person medical and police advocacy for recent sexual assault victim/survivors.

• When on-call, the Crisis Line Advocate will carry a cell phone, so sitting by a landline is not necessary (although having a quiet and private location for taking calls is.)
• The In-person Advocate also carries a cell phone. The advocate must be able to respond within 20 minutes to the location of the advocacy either at the hospital or police department.
• Advocates (In-person and Crisis Line) attend mandatory monthly meetings. Meeting times and locations are given well in advance for advocates' scheduling needs.

Advocates are expected to commit to a minimum of two to three shifts per month. Following are the types of different shifts:

Weeknight Crisis Line and In-person Advocacy Shifts

• Monday through Thursday-5 pm; that night until 8 am the next morning
• Friday-5 pm to 9 am Saturday

Weekend Crisis Line shifts

• Saturday-9 am to 5 pm
• Saturday-5 pm to 9 am Sunday
• Sunday-9 am to 5 pm
• Sunday-5 pm to 8 am Monday

Weekend In-person Advocacy shifts

• Saturday-9 am to 9 am Sunday
• Sunday-9 am to 8 am Monday

Indirect Service Volunteers may:

• conduct research and literature searches on specific projects
• assist RVAP staff in setting up and staffing information tables
• assist with RVAP marketing needs
• distribute posters and brochures
• assist with periodic displays of the “Clothesline Project”
• assist with planning and execution of Sexual Assault Awareness Month events
• other duties as necessary

For more indirect service projects, visit rvap.org.

The Rape Victim Advocacy Program is located at 332 S. Linn Street, Suite 100 (0279 LSB), Iowa City, IA 52240
Office Hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm
Business Phone: 319-335-6001