Abuse Coalition Seeks Volunteers

The Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence is accepting applications for volunteers through this week.

Volunteers who go through a 70-hour, six-week training program will be certified in crisis intervention through the state Office of Criminal Justice Planning. Training starts this week, with classes held Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“I haven’t met anybody yet that doesn’t know somebody, even if indirectly, that has an issue either with domestic violence or sexual abuse,” said Angela Lawson, volunteer coordinator.

“A lot of our volunteers were brought up in abusive families,” Lawson added. “Not all of them have issues, but a majority of them do.”

Once trained, volunteers may work in one of the coalition’s anti-violence programs, including the crisis line, with domestic or sexual abuse response teams or with the children’s program. Volunteers may also become involved in community outreach, education and prevention.

Lawson said between 50% and 75% of male batterers also abuse their children and that at least 85% of the men in prison grew up in violent homes.

The coalition will start a group in Camarillo in July for women who have been sexually abused and their family members.

“It’s for the family members, too, because the sexual abuse affects everyone,” Lawson said.

For more information about volunteer training, call 654-8141. The Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Hotline number is 656-1111.