Volunteer with the Victim Advocate Program (VAP)
Program description
The Victim Advocate Program (VAP) provides victims of crime or other traumatic events with a trained advocate who can provide comfort, compassion, and resources during their time of need.
Mission
Dedicated volunteer advocates respond to scenes of crime and other traumatic incidents to support victims during the most challenging times of their life. Advocates can make referrals to appropriate community agencies, depending on the needs of the victim. They may also make arrangements for temporary lodging or food, transportation to a safe place, or repair doors or locks damaged during the commission of a crime. The most important service advocates provide is listening.
All advocates are trained at the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office.
Interested in volunteering?
No experience is necessary, we train you! Once training is complete, a new volunteer advocate will shadow a veteran volunteer advocate until they are comfortable responding on their own. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Victim Advocate Program complete an application and send it to the Mesa County Sheriff's Office Victim Advocate Coordinator.
Volunteer Programs - Application (Revised 2021)
Training Classes
- Trauma response and early intervention
- Dynamics of Domestic Violence
- Assisting the bereaved
- Children as Victims
- Assisting victims of sexual assault
- Working within "The System"
- Community resources available in Mesa County
Time commitment
- Advocates are then asked to sign-up for at least three 12 hour shifts per month.
- Shifts can be selected according to your schedule, and time off for vacation is accommodated.
- We also ask that you attend our monthly information and training meeting.
Eligibility requirements
- Have an insured vehicle available during your shifts
- Have a current and valid driver’s license
- Able to commit a few hours per month for at least a one year period
- Have a desire to help victims in need
- Successful completion of our training program
Shift requirements
- Advocates choose shifts according to their own schedule
- Day or night shifts are available, seven days per week
- The shifts are 12 hours and the requirement is 3 per month
- During a shift, an advocate can go about their normal routine as long as they can respond immediately when called