.In 1995 the Women’s Center, under the direction of Rhonda Craver, developed a program to create a centralized system to assist rape and sexual assault survivors and coordinate the University’s resources available to them. It was called the Advocates Program. Telephone lines were set up to receive calls 24 hours a day in case someone needed assistance after being sexually assaulted. Volunteers went through training to learn how to respond to the needs of survivors that might call the response line.

In 1998, the Women’s Center renamed the Advocates Program in honor of the late Molly Hays Glander. Dr. Glander was an expert at crisis intervention and a true visionary in women’s issues. She was gifted in dealing with human sexuality, substance abuse, eating disorders, and relationship issues. At a time when there was no Women’s Center and less community awareness and support of women’s concerns, her genuine concern, insight, and awareness of rape and its implications was a true gift to the women of this campus. Her work in the counseling of individual clients quickly evolved to embrace the entire campus community.

Today, the response hotline continues in much the same way as it did in 1995. It is completely volunteer operated. Volunteers go through extensive training on rape and sexual assault response, campus and community resources, and crisis intervention to prepare for their role as Advocates.

To reach the response line, dial 618-RAPE (7273). If you are interested in volunteering as an advocate, you may download the application in PDF format or stop by the Women’s Center to pick one up. Our next training will be Friday, February 2, 2007 from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Application deadline is January 26 for the Spring 2007 semester.