Signs of Hope, Formerly the Rape Crisis Center, Needs Volunteers to Help Sexual Assault Survivors

Author: Nevada Globe Staff

LAS VEGAS – First time since the pandemic, “Advocate University” will give in-person classes on how to help in a crisis.

When I read The Scarlet Letter, I understood. “As a survivor, everyone can see it on you,” said Zenja Dunn.

Dunn, a sexual assault survivor, is a Signs of HOPE board member. Dunn volunteers because someone helped her when she needed it.

“When I lived in LA, an organization like this helped me through it,” Dunn said. In the days, months, and years after a crime, survivors receive help.

I got one-on-one counseling and group assistance. Our stories were different. Dunn: “I had support who knew what I was going through.”

Five years ago, Dunn went through volunteer training to answer the 24/7 hotline and assist survivors to hospital visits and rape kits.

“The training’s tough… “We want to make sure employees are appropriately trained because we deal with victims,” Dunn said.

Signs of HOPE need volunteers for its sexual assault hotline, human trafficking hotline, and hospital visits to encourage people who choose UMC for a forensic sexual assault exam. Volunteers sought for office chores.

Those who volunteer at Signs of HOPE want survivors to know they are never alone.

Dunn stated, “We need the community to volunteer, so if it’s in your heart to do so, we can put you to work.”

Advocate University is accepting applications from Signs of HOPE. It’s a 50-hour course starting on Sept. 20. Here’s the organization’s webpage.

Trainees who finish Advocate University will be accredited by the National Advocate Credentialing Program. The 24/7 Signs of Hope hotline for sexual assault victims is 702-366-1640.

Credits: Fox5Vegas