Becoming a Sexual Assault Counselor (SAC)

All of our volunteer Sexual Assault Counselors (SACs) complete an 80-hour California State Certified Sexual Assault Counselor Training. The training is designed to provide future volunteer counselors with knowledge, skills, and self-awareness necessary to respond to people affected by sexualized trauma. Specific topics covered in the training include the myths and realities of sexual abuse/assault, effects of trauma, medical issues, legal options, crisis intervention, and counseling skills. Throughout the training, we explore the connection between individual acts of sexual abuse/assault and institutional oppression such as sexism, racism, and homophobia.

  • What do volunteer SACs do?
    • Provide support counseling on a 24-hour crisis line
    • Provide support counseling at San Mateo Medical Center post-assault medical exams and forensic interviews
    • Accompany survivors of abuse/assault to police interviews, court, etc.
    • Play a key role in the healing process of survivors
    • Gain meaningful experience in human relations and social change
    • Learn essential skills and information in a comprehensive training (CA state certification as a Sexual Assault Counselor)
    • Join a team of caring staff, interns, and volunteers dedicated to supporting survivors and ending cycles of violence
  • What qualifications do I need to become a SAC?
    • Must be 18 years-old or older
    • Have access to a private phone and transportation
    • Submit fingerprints for sexual misconduct screening
    • Be able to adhere to strict rules of confidentiality
    • Be empathetic, respectful and non-judgmental
    • Be able to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds
    • Be able to adhere to agency’s philosophy, protocols, procedures, and policies
    • Particularly desired, but not required skills include fluency in languages other than English (i.e. Spanish, Tagalog, American Sign Language, etc.)

Please send your completed application to volunteer@rapetraumaservices.org.

2019 Training dates:

Spring 2019 - Accepting applications now!

February 19, 2019 - March 30, 2019

Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Saturdays 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Summer 2019 - Dates TBD

Schedule TBD

Working with survivors of trauma from sexual abuse/assault can be deeply fulfilling and meaningful!

Already accepted to a training?

  You can easily pay your training fee online: