Welcome! Every year we are inspired by the dedication and compassion of our volunteers. The Victoria Sexual Assault Centre would not be able to provide the services it does without the support and commitment of volunteers.
Volunteering at the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre may mean providing support to recent survivors of sexual assault, helping out with administrative tasks, assisting with events, or developing policy. There are all sorts of volunteer opportunities with The Victoria Sexual Assault Centre; each demonstrates a commitment to support, empower, and advocate for women and trans individuals who are survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse; and to work toward the prevention of sexual violence.
You can find more information about our volunteer roles below.
To register your interest and be notified when we are next recruiting for that role,
click the "Fill in an application" button on the top right side of the page.
If you have further questions, you can email our Volunteer Coordinator
Riven (zi/hir/hirs w a sprinkling of he/him/his)
at volunteercoor@vsac.ca
Thank you for your interest in supporting the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre!
Please let us know if or how we can make the application process more accessible to you.
Time Commitment: |
~80 hours of training + ~480 hours (or 3 shifts) on call a month for one year **For white volunteers we also require a minimum of 3 additional unlearning white supremacy sessions- in addition to the 480 pager hours |
Responsible to: |
Volunteer Coordinator, Access Line Coordinator/Clinic Coordinator |
Position open to: |
Trans, Two-Spirit, gender non-conforming people, and cis-women age 19+ |
To Apply: |
|
Application Deadline: |
January 1st at noon EXTENDED |
Policy Restrictions: |
Applicants who have used VSAC services must be 1 year past last date of service at time of application. This position is not open to cis-men. |
Positions available: |
12 |
About SART
The purpose of SART is to provide survivors of recent sexualized assault with emotional support and information on the community resources available to them. This requires Support Worker volunteers to liaise with hospital and police staff (as requested by the survivor) to support the survivor in accessing the services of their choice. Support may be offered over the phone, or in person at Victoria General Hospital, any of the local police departments, or at the Victoria Sexual Assault Clinic (operated by VSAC). The Victoria Sexual Assault Clinic is the only fully integrated sexualized assault clinic in western Canada, meaning that a survivor can access support, medical services, and police reporting all at the Clinic.
VSAC Mission Statement
The Victoria Sexual Assault Centre is a feminist organization committed to ending sexualized violence through healing, education, and prevention. We are dedicated to supporting women and all Trans survivors of sexualized assault and childhood sexualized abuse through advocacy, counselling, and empowerment.
Values of Victoria Sexual Assault Centre
COVID-19 Planning
Training will be delivered via a combination of in-person and Zoom sessions, and through self-paced online modules. The training cohort may be separated into two groups to make social distancing possible.
We will ask participants to engage in community care by taking a COVID test before all in person sessions if they can.
Applicants will be updated as new safety information develops.
SART Volunteer Support Worker Responsibilities
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
Working Conditions
SART includes team members from Forensic Nurse Examiners and all Police Detachments. VSAC volunteers work both independently and as part of the team. Work will take place at the VSAC Clinic, Hospital, Police Station or other community agency in mixed indoor environments. Volunteers will provide emotional support over the phone from their home on a VSAC provided cell phone. This position requires overnight shift work and being on call for between 8-16 hrs, carrying a pager.
Supports for Volunteers
Benefits to Volunteer
Training Provided
Winter 2024 Training Schedule:
Friday February 2nd 4:30-8:30pm (zoom)
Sunday February 4th 10am-4:30pm (zoom)
Friday February 9th 4:30-8:30pm (zoom)
Sunday February 11th 10-4:30pm (in-person)
Friday February 16th 4:30-8:30pm (in-person)
Sunday February 18th 10am-4:30pm (in-person, 10-1:30 is for everyone, 1:30-4:30 for white and white passing folks)
February 19th-22nd - one-on-one - you sign up for a date/time
Friday February 23rd 4:30-8:30pm (zoom)
Sunday February 25th 10am-4:30pm (in-person)
Sunday March 3rd 10-4:30pm (in-person)
Recruitment Timeline
Applications Open: October 15th-January 1st
Interviews: January 15th - 24th
Successful applicants contacted: January 26th
Application Check-List
- Available for all training dates
- Completed application form, including resume, and references
- Can commit to volunteering with VSAC until April 2025
Please direct any questions or comments to Riven Gail (zi/hir/hirs and he/him/his), Volunteer Coordinator: volunteercoor@vsac.ca
VSAC relies on volunteers to support us in hosting
events throughout the year.
This includes:
The Triathlon of Compassion
Victoria Pride
Tabling at Community Events
**Applications are open year round and training will be scheduled for the new year**
You must be age 19 or older to volunteer
Event Support Volunteers will be required to complete a single training session which includes going over the VSAC mission, beliefs and values; a tour, our services, and what the role entails. As well as participating in a group discussion reflecting on power, privilege, and marginalization. We also require approximately 2 hours of training online, that goes over some foundations of consent and gender diversity.
Please let us know if or how we can make the application process more accessible to you.
Time Commitment: |
2 hours every 2 weeks an/or as needed/if available |
Responsible to: |
Volunteer Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, other staff as designated by tasks |
Position open to: |
Women, Trans, gender queer, Two Spirit, and gender non-conforming folks over the age of 19 |
To Apply: |
|
Application Deadline: |
Ongoing (Training will be scheduled in the new year) |
Policy Restrictions: |
Applicants who have used VSAC services must be 1 year past last date of service at time of application. Other volunteer opportunities are available. |
Purpose:
To assist staff in the day-to-day operations of the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre.
VSAC Mission Statement:
The Victoria Sexual Assault Centre is a feminist organization committed to ending sexualized violence through healing, education, and prevention. We are dedicated to supporting women and all Trans survivors of sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse, through advocacy, counselling, and empowerment.
Responsibilities May Include:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
Training Provided:
Values of Victoria Sexual Assault Centre
If you have any questions, please reach out to
Riven Gail, Volunteer Coordinator at volunteercoor@vsac.ca
The Victoria Sexual Assault Centre is a feminist organization committed to ending sexualized violence through healing, education, and prevention. We are dedicated to supporting women and all trans survivors of sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse, through advocacy, counselling, and empowerment.