• About NDVH
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• Called to Make a Difference
• Called to Make a Difference Case Statement
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• Volunteer
• Employment
• Service Providers

Safety Alert

Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear. If you are afraid your internet and/or computer usage might be monitored, please use a safer computer, call your local hotline, and/or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Volunteering

The Volunteer Program is an integral part of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The success of the Hotline in meeting the needs of our callers is largely dependent on having a team of caring, compassionate and skilled advocates who share a common goal of working to end domestic violence. We seek volunteers of all backgrounds to join us in this struggle. Volunteers ensure the responsiveness of the National Domestic Violence Hotline to callers by supplementing coverage on the Hotline, in data entry, and in the TCFV offices beyond that provided by the paid staff.

Volunteers benefit by increasing their knowledge of prevention and intervention on such topics as domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. These are not only helpful while volunteering, but in everyday life. Not only do they increase their awareness, but also gain a sense of satisfaction knowing they are helping someone work toward a living a life free of violence.

The goal of the Volunteer Program is to ensure that our volunteers are well-trained, receive plenty of support, and feel recognized in exchange for the contribution of their time, energy, and commitment to the Hotline.

How do I Become a Volunteer?

No matter what your skills are, the National Domestic Violence Hotline can use your help. Volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and include women and men, students, retirees and professionals. Prior experience working with domestic violence is not required. All you need is compassion, commitment and a desire to make a difference.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is located in Austin, Texas. All Volunteers must be 18 years of age and located in Austin or surrounding areas. However, if you would still like to volunteer to end violence against women, the Hotline can access the phone number to a service provider in your area. For more information, please call the Volunteer Coordinator at 512.794.1133.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Hotline Advocate

Volunteer Hotline Advocates answer incoming Hotline calls from victims of domestic violence, their friends and family, the general public, and social service providers. Volunteer Hotline Advocates provide crisis intervention, information, referrals, and problem-solving assistance to the caller. Volunteers can work flexible hours including nights and weekends.

All Volunteer Hotline Advocates are required to attend an extensive training course. Upon completion of the training course, volunteers then partner with more experienced volunteers so they can monitor calls, become familiar with the phone system and feel comfortable answering calls. Mentors are present to help Volunteer Hotline Advocates with their first calls until a new Volunteer Advocate feels comfortable working alone.

General Office Volunteer

Office volunteers provide valuable assistance on a variety of projects within the offices of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Some tasks include filing, updating the database, putting together information packets and preparing mailings. Completion of the training course is not required. Volunteers may choose from flexible weekday hours, some evening hours and some weekend hours..