Interested in helping others when they need it most?

Join YWCA Lancaster’s 24 Hour Sexual Assault Hotline as a volunteer advocate and make a difference for survivors in our community.  Hotline volunteers provide support, resources, and referrals for anyone impacted by sexual assault. Calls can be answered from anywhere.

Event Details:

Date: Saturdays 9-5PM, September 12, 2026 - October 3, 2026

Time: 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Location: YWCA Lancaster | 110 N Lime St, Lancaster, PA

Overview:

Hotline training consists of 40 hours- 20 hours of online content are completed at your own pace and 20 hours of instruction are completed live.

The Sexual Assault Hotline is operated by trained staff and volunteers. Callers may utilize the hotline for several reasons, including, but not limited to: crisis intervention services, questions about resources and referrals related to sexual violence; inquiries about counseling; and requests to provide medical advocacy at local hospitals.

The course meets Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect’s standards for Rape Crisis Centers. Participants who complete the training are eligible to volunteer or work at any center throughout the state. The course work includes material related: history and philosophy, local center information, values, anti-oppression, counseling issues, sexual assault issues, ethics, confidentiality, medical system, legal system, advocacy, and local resources for information and referrals.

This program is intended for individuals interested in volunteering on the 24/7 Rape Crisis Hotline or working at the Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center or another Pennsylvania Rape Crisis Center. Volunteers answer the hotline remotely.