Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County begins its volunteer training next week

Published 10:16 pm Sunday, September 20, 2009

EVERETT — Would you like to make a difference in a stranger’s life?

Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County is offering free training for volunteers next week. The organization serves victims of domestic violence. Volunteers must commit to working 10 hours within a six-month period, said Julie Martin, a spokeswoman for the organization.

The economy may be bad, but the agency has seen an increase in volunteers. People are inspired to help others once they realize how fortunate they are, she explained.

The training is held twice a year. People from all walks of life become volunteers, Martin said.

The training, mandated by the Department of Social and Health Services, includes discussions about diversity and the history of domestic violence. One class includes a role-playing game that helps volunteers see situations from a victim’s perspective and understand what victims are going through, Martin said.

After the class is completed, volunteers can do a variety of tasks. Some work with the children’s group or help out in the office; others man the agency’s 24-hour crisis hotline. Volunteers also often monitor domestic-violence court cases.

“We rely on volunteers a tremendous amount,” Martin said.

The organization has 25 paid staff members. Hundreds of people receive services every year.

Many volunteers are former clients. The agency doesn’t allow people to volunteer until one year after they have received services themselves, Martin explained, because volunteers are trained to give clients options, not advice. Distance may be difficult to keep for someone who sought help recently.

“They’ve been helped. Now they want to give back,” she said.

Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452, kyefimova@heraldnet.com.