Rape Crisis is calling on people wanting to support victims of crime to become counsellors to women who are affected by rape and sexual violence.
Interested people can enroll for the Rape Crisis counseling course in Athlone.
Kathleen Dey, Director of Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust, said: “Counseling is the core service we offer to rape survivors. Most victims only seek help three months after the attack which is when they need someone to understand and support them. It helps if this person comes from within their own community. Counselling is vital in helping survivors to bridge the gap between the trauma they have suffered and interacting with our Criminal Justice System.”
Dey said that would-be counsellors “must be prepared to commit to an intensive training process in order to ensure the best possible care for our clients.”
According to Arlene Trout, a volunteer counsellor who completed the course in 2008 the course helped her to grow personally and also taught her counselling skills. “The course helped me to develop my listening skills. It’s amazing what you hear when you choose to listen and how you can help others” says Trout.
Trout says thanks to this course she is now able to make a difference by supporting survivors and their families to overcome the pain they have suffered.
Once candidates have completed the course they will do a six-month internship after which they can become volunteer counselors for Rape Crisis.
The three-month course starts on 8 March and costs R500. Applications close on 19 February 2010. To apply contact 021 684-1183 or email barbara@rapecrisis.org.za
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