Women’s Center Needs Hotline Volunteers

DANBURY — The fall dual domestic violence and sexual assault hotline certification training schedule for prospective Women’s Center of Greater Danbury volunteers has been announced by volunteer coordinator Chrissy Deep.

The Women’s Center of Greater Danbury provides free and confidential services to prevent or lessen the trauma associated with domestic violence, sexual assault and other major life transitions to thousands of women, children, and men annually.

This 45-hour training certifies volunteers to perform crisis intervention at the center during business hours or from home when the center is closed; it is also a prerequisite for court advocate, counselor advocate, and support group facilitator positions.

Evening training classes begin Thursday, September 24 and meet through mid-November.

Last year, the Women’s Center responded to more than 1,400 sexual assault and domestic violence hotline calls, in addition to providing emergency shelter, counseling services, advocacy services, community education and prevention programs, and information and referral services.

More than 19,000 clients in the greater Danbury area were served by the center’s programs in 2009. The programs of the Women’s Center are supported by state and local government, area United Way agencies, and the people and businesses in the communities including Newtown.

Whether staffing hotlines, running support groups, providing individual counseling, or working in the center’s shelter, volunteers can help to “end the violence.” Call 203-731-5200, extension 202, for more information and to register for training. For information about the center, visit womenscenterofgreaterdanbury.or.