24 Hour Hotline:           803-771.RAPE  (Richland and Lexington counties)            1-800-491-RAPE (Newberry county)

What Does Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands Do?

Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands  (STSM) is a non-profit, United Way Member Agency.  STSM serves as a clinical, educational and outreach center for sexual abuse and trauma issues through a team of committed professionals and volunteers dedicated to the health and healing of the survivor through advocacy, treatment, and prevention.  Some of the agency services include: crisis intervention/counseling to sexual assault survivors and their families, 24-hour crisis line, hospital accompaniment, medical and legal advocacy, support and therapy groups for survivors, and community education presentations to name a few.

Why is an advocate important? 

Over the past 20-25 years, there has been much learning and research on trauma and its effects on survivors.  Sexual assault, molestation, and all crimes of an intimate nature place unique stress on survivors.  One thing that has been learned concerns the critical value of a calm, consistent, and knowledgeable presence: a person who can listen, help the survivor understand what is happening and what their choices may be.  Family members and friends may also need support and contact with such a person. 

What do advocates do that is so necessary?

Volunteer advocates provide hospital accompaniment to survivors who may seek care by area hospitals.  The exam process can be frightening and the presence of an advocate can make the difference for a survivor who needs care.  Callers on the STSM crisis line similarly need contact with a person combining warmth, knowledge, and skillful listening.

How do I do that?

Effective volunteer advocates develop their skills through training and practice.   The advocate training provides a wide range of information focused on providing advocates with insight and knowledge to answer the crisis line and provide hospital accompaniment.  The comprehensive training includes the following topics: Intimate Violence, Active Listening, Crisis Intervention, Trauma of Rape, Sexual Assault Protocol, Criminal Justice Perspective, Case Reviews, and more. Beyond the initial training, volunteer advocates continue to improve their skills by seeking out more information about the issue of sexual assault, attending Continuing Education Trainings, and by practicing their skills.

What would I be committing myself to?

Volunteer advocates must complete an initial 24.5 hours of training.  Volunteer advocates commit to cover at least two on-call shifts per month.  The shifts vary from 9-15 hours (Monday –Friday: 8am-5pm/5pm-8am, Saturday-Sunday: 8am-8pm/8pm-8am).  Therefore, volunteer advocates provide between 18-30 hours of service each month. Beyond the initial 24.5 hours of training, volunteer advocates are required to attend at least two Continuing Education Training Sessions per year.

How does this really work? What’s involved with being on call?

Volunteer advocates sign up for the shift that best fits their schedules.  For some, that means signing up for an on-call shift during the week, or on the weekends.  Whatever works best for them.  When a volunteer advocate is on-call, he/she needs to be reachable by either cell phone or pager.  STSM has pagers at the office that volunteer advocates can use while on-call.  When a crisis call comes in, the hotline operator will call/page the advocate on-call to respond.  Advocates respond to crisis calls by talking with callers by telephone and accompanying survivors to hospitals in the Midlands area.

How can I be sure I can do this?  It seems like a lot of responsibility.

Yes, it is challenging, but it is a challenge that you can meet. We believe that many people have the capability to take on this position.  Over the past 18 years, we have successfully trained hundreds of volunteers.   We can help you determine if this is a good fit for you and we will work with you to develop your capabilities. 

Please call or email Lee Lafontant Patterson for more information or for a volunteer application! There is an application process, and an application deadline so please apply early!