Amite- District Attorney Scott M. Perrilloux would like to welcome 11 new volunteers to the Tri-Parish Rape Crisis Program.
On September 21, 24, and 25, Southeastern Louisiana University students majoring in social work and counseling underwent volunteer training at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. The new volunteers enjoyed a tour of the Children’s Advocacy Center, and lectures from Judy Benitez of LaFASA, Bernadine Milton of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program, Patrick Gibson of the Southeastern Police Department, Le’Anne Malnar from the District Attorney’s office, and an advocate from the Southeast Spouse Abuse Program.
During their training, volunteers discussed crisis intervention techniques, dynamics of sexual assault, suicide, child sexual assault, drug facilitated sexual assault, mandatory reporting, ethics, policies and procedures. After the training, one volunteer wrote to TPRCP coordinator Lorett Swank saying “I loved every minute of it! I appreciate your time and sharing your knowledge with us. You’re the best and the speakers were awesome!”
“It takes a special person to want to do this work,” said Swank, “Sexual assault is such a taboo subject and I really appreciate these social work and counseling students wanting to educate themselves on this topic. In our undergraduate and graduate programs, there is little to no formal education on sexual assault. I am impressed that these new volunteers were willing to give up their weekend and free time to learn how to help this special population. It is estimated that every 2 minutes someone in the United States is sexually assaulted, so there is high demand for services. I am grateful that this group is willing to help.”
Following the three-day training, volunteers must complete 30 days of distance learning, totaling 40 hours, on multiple topics such as trauma, counseling techniques, human trafficking, criminal justice advocacy, and many more.
“We genuinely appreciate all of the volunteers who participate in the Rape Crisis Program,” said Perrilloux, “They are an enormous asset to those who have suffered through some very painful experiences and a necessary component of the program’s success.”