Sexual violence can be isolating and terrifying—but no one should have to navigate it alone.
Our free, confidential hotline is available 24/7 for survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones. Whether someone is seeking crisis intervention, emotional support, or help navigating medical and legal systems, we’re here—always.
VOLUNTEER WITH THE HOTLINE
When a survivor calls for help, your voice could be the first one they hear.
YWCA Stepping Stones’ 24/7 Sexual Violence Crisis Hotline relies on compassionate, trained volunteers to respond in moments of crisis with care and clarity.
As a volunteer advocate, you help survivors feel safe, heard, and empowered—while playing a vital role in the broader movement to end sexual violence.
Receive a stipend for hotline shifts
Volunteers who meet a shift minimum are eligible for a small stipend in appreciation of their time and commitment.
Answer the hotline from home
The hotline rings to your cell phone—so you can provide support from the comfort and privacy of your own space.
Make a life-changing impact
Be the first voice a survivor hears. Your support can offer comfort, clarity, and hope in moments of deep crisis.
Grow personally & professionally
Build skills in crisis response, communication, and advocacy—while making a difference in our community.
VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE TRAINING
Volunteering with Stepping Stones starts with comprehensive, state-mandated, 40-hour training that prepares you to show up confidently and compassionately for survivors of sexual violence.
What You'll Learn
Our training prepares you to respond with empathy, clarity, and confidence. Topics include:
- Types and dynamics of sexual violence
- The neurobiology of trauma and rape trauma syndrome
- Crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
- Survivor-centered communication and active listening
- Confidentiality and ethics
- Medical advocacy, SANE exams, and hospital accompaniment
- Legal options and systems navigation
- Cultural humility and working with diverse communities
How Training Works
Our training model blends independent learning with interactive, in-person sessions designed to build your skills and confidence as an advocate.
Pre-Course Work
Before the first in-person session, all volunteers are required to complete pre-course assignments. This self-paced learning covers foundational information and ensures everyone arrives prepared to actively participate.
40-Hour In-Person Training
Training takes place in person over two weeks, on Monday, Wednesday & Friday evenings and one Saturday, making it accessible for those who work or attend school. Sessions are led by our team of Stepping Stones advocates— who are the local experts in responding to and preventing sexual violence. In-person time focuses on interactive exercises, role-playing, and scenario-based learning that build on your pre-course work.
Post-Course Work
After the final training session, brief post-course assignments help reinforce what you’ve learned and prepare you to take your first call with confidence.
This structure allows us to use in-person time for meaningful practice and discussion—ensuring you’re not just informed, but empowered.
Why It Matters
All volunteer advocates must uphold strict confidentiality standards to protect the privacy, dignity, and trust of the survivors we serve.
Illinois’ “Confidentiality of Statements Made to Rape Crisis Personnel” statute provides significant protection to communications between a survivor and a rape crisis worker. Creating an absolute privilege for rape survivors has provided survivors with stronger protections and given survivors more control over information about their lives. Survivors can confide in rape crisis center counselors and advocates, knowing that they run little risk of having those communications disclosed publicly unless they consent to such disclosure.