Volunteering at a domestic violence shelter requires time, empathy and knowledge about the issue of violence in the home.

Instructions

STEP 1: Determine if you have time to volunteer. Consider all of your commitments and obligations.

STEP 2: Educate yourself about domestic violence. Read a book or take a class about the topic so that you understand what you will be experiencing. Familiarize yourself with the Shelter by visiting our website at www.naplesshelter.org

STEP 3: Think carefully about the services domestic violence shelters offer and decide if you would be comfortable volunteering in that situation. Know that the Shelter has limited volunteer opportunities due to the high level of confidentiality and services that are provided. Understand that it is the policy of the Shelter to perform a criminal background check on volunteers. 

STEP 4: Talk to the Volunteer Coordinator at the Shelter and schedule an interview. Explain why you want to volunteer, what you would like to do and when you could be available. Realize that shelters must be very careful about whom they allow to volunteer. They must first and foremost protect the privacy and safety of the victims.

STEP 5:  If you are interested in working on the Shelter Hotline please ask yourself if you have the ability to help people in need without judging them or criticizing them. People at domestic violence shelters are experiencing many stresses, dangers and problems. Their lives may not make sense to you.

STEP 6: Keep any information you are given about the location of the Shelter and those you see or talk to a secret. You should not disclose this information to anyone because it could endanger the people staying there.

STEP 7:  Recognize that Shelter’s basic philosophy is empowerment and it is not the volunteer’s role to rescue clients.

The Shelter for Abused Women & Children depends heavily on volunteers in our community who generously give of their time and talents to make our goals possible. Thank you for your time!