Volunteer Opportunities 

Volunteers are the heart of the Durham Crisis Response Center, playing a critical role in our mission to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence. In fact, volunteers are essential to our work supporting survivors. They bring compassion, hope, and dedication both on the front lines and behind the scenes. No matter their role, each volunteer helps survivors feel seen, safe, and supported during their most vulnerable moments.

How volunteers support survivors:

• 24/7 Help Line Volunteers: Trained volunteer advocates answer our confidential 24-hour helpline – the main access point for people seeking help. They provide a listening ear, emotional support, safety planning, essential information, and referrals at any hour of the day. For many survivors, that caring voice on the line is the first step to finding safety and hope.

• Court Accompaniment: Volunteer court advocates accompany survivors to legal proceedings, such as protective order hearings. In court, they stand beside survivors to explain confusing legal terms, paperwork, and next steps, helping clients feel more secure and informed during a stressful process. This compassionate presence ensures no survivor has to face the justice system alone.

• Hospital Accompaniment: After a crisis, specially trained volunteers meet survivors at local hospitals to offer immediate support. This is a critical and compassionate role – hospital accompaniment volunteers help survivors navigate difficult decisions like completing a rape kit, speaking with medical staff, or reporting to law enforcement. Their calm, understanding support in the emergency room helps survivors feel less alone during trauma and recovery.

• Reception & Administrative Support: Not all heroes are on the front lines. Some volunteers serve behind the scenes as receptionists and administrative assistants, performing office duties, data entry, filing, and other day-to-day tasks. These behind-the-scenes contributions keep DCRC running smoothly and efficiently. Whether it’s a warm welcome at the front desk or timely handling of paperwork, administrative volunteers create a safe, organized environment that ultimately helps survivors feel cared for from the moment they reach out.

Join Our Mission – No Experience Needed

Every volunteer, in every role, is a vital part of the DCRC team. You don’t need prior experience to make a difference – we provide comprehensive training and ongoing support for all volunteers. DCRC’s training will prepare you with the skills and confidence to support survivors effectively. What matters most is your compassion and commitment. By volunteering with DCRC, you become part of a compassionate community that ensures no survivor has to walk alone. Even a few hours of your time can help a survivor feel seen, safe, and supported. We invite you to get involved – together, we can bring hope and healing to those who need it most.