Any one have hotline experience for domestic violence or sexual assault victims?

Question

what was it like and for you personally, were you able to go home at the end of the day and not have the conversations effect you or mess w/ ur being able to sleep at night? I hear a lot of talk about "self care".

I'm just wondering as i'm thinking about doing the hotline at a domestic violence organization.

Thx!

Answer 1

first of all, i admire your desire to volunteer.

i worked on a DV hotline for a number of years, and it was very rewarding. You have to learn to not take all of the negatives with you, although sometimes it's impossible. In some ways it's not unlike the way you learn not to dwell on anything sad or upsetting-like a horrific accident or crime you hear on the news. It is comforting to know that you are providing support and info to someone who needs it. The worst thing was learning to deal with the fact that many victims do not and may never leave the abusive relationships, but you can still be there for them and for some you will help them should they decide to leave.

a sexual abuse hotline would be too tough for me.

keep in mind should one of these not be right for you, there are tons of other volunteer opportunites and agengies that need your help.

Answer 2

Initially it will bother you.

If you are considering this position the chances are fairly high that you are a caring and sensitive person. (*I already know this to be true of you, via our conversations)

Which can be a blessing and a curse.

However, this kind of work is about who you are as a human being, when you work in a field that is about caring, is it possible to completely separate yourself from caring?

Never.

You eventually learn that in order to continue in this field of work, and thus continue to "care" you will need to set some boundaries for yourself, that will enable you to continue your work. You learn to leave it at work.............although, having been in the field of social work and counseling for 15 years there are still times when I am unable to leave it at work.

Because I do care, and that's what I have chosen to do for a living........................... care.

I consider myself very fortunate to make a living doing something I love, even when it hurts.

Answer 3

I've done both and still work with s*x assault hotline calls. I guess I'm lucky in that I don't take it home with me.  I feel for the callers but I keep it in perspective. I've had suicide callers as well and I just kept calm and did the job (that call worked out well).  I took a break, grabbed some coffee and took the next call.

Everyone handles stress differently. So there is no right/wrong way to deal with it.  Just be aware when the stress is getting  to you and never be afraid to ask for help.  We are humans, not machines.  

It takes a special person to be willing to deal with someone at their worst.  All you have to do is listen, provide factual information, allay their fear and tell them that there is help and they are not alone.   Be patient. The fact you are thinking about helping people in emotional turmoil says good things about you.

Answer 4

Psych major here, going for my masters in stats...we were always told that the therapist needs a therapist...which means you better have someone fantastic at home to listen to you after you are done listening to the victims.