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The Role of the DOVE Advocate
DOVE relies on over 60 volunteers to respond to survivors of
sexual assault, domestic violence and elder abuse in the emergency room. They
help the survivor, family members and important others to cope with the
immediate after-effects of the trauma.
In teams of two, they serve as supportive intermediaries
with
emergency room staff and others involved in response to the traumatic event in
the first, most frightening and critical hours in the emergency room. Each DOVE
advocate communicates the survivor's needs to DOVE professional staff, who
ensure that those identified needs are understood and addressed as soon as
possible.
Who are DOVE Advocates?
Our advocates are women and men of all
ages, of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. They all share a commitment to
helping address the needs of survivors, and help their families cope with their
acute trauma.
When are DOVE Advocates Expected to
Respond?
The hours of DOVE volunteer advocate
service are: Weekend evenings from 6PM to 8AM and 24 hours on Saturday, Sunday
and holidays.
What is Expected of a DOVE Advocate?
In order to be certified as a DOVE
advocate a forty hour training must be completed. This training is schedules
over the course of two weekend and one evening session. Training occurs at least
once a year. DOVE advocates are expected to volunteer for at least one shift per
month. Two DOVE advocates are on call to respond as a team for each shift. We
require a one year commitment.
We Need You
To further explore the demands and rewards
of joining the DOVE team as a volunteer, and to find out when the next DOVE
advocate training is scheduled, please call:
(212) 305-9060
Department of Social Work
Columbia Presbyterian Center
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