The On Call Advocacy Program (OCAP) was designed to help bridge the gap in services for victims of domestic violence during non-business hours. It has now become a 24-hour a day, 7 day a week crisis response to domestic violence in the DC Metro Area. Advocates answer calls on our Response Line, and meet with victims in the community at hospitals, police stations, and other public locations to provide immediate crisis intervention services and safety planning where and when victims need it most.
Volunteer Advocates provide emotional support and information about the justice system, referrals to social service programs, access to immediate crisis shelter and access to the Emergency Temporary Protection Order Process.
- Answering the OCAP Response Line for no less than 12 hours (approx. two shifts) a month;
- Committing to 1 year of service;
- Riding along with police to provide services in person at the scene of the crime a few times a year;
- Attending monthly volunteer supervision and in-service meetings;
- Participating in other fun activities and events that SAFE has going on!
Forty hours of training is required for OCAP Volunteer Advocates. This training is conducted after regular business hours and on weekends to accommodate those who work full-time or have other responsibilities. A ride along with MPD is also encouraged as part of the training process. Scheduling of volunteer shifts is flexible and happens on a monthly basis.
