PRINCETON — Eleven new volunteers recently graduated from Freedom House’s 80-hour volunteer training class, which concluded in May. The new non-direct and direct service volunteers include Torri Peterson of Wyanet, Lisa Carlson of Malden, Shawna Stone of Neponset, Leanne Martin and Jill Nickelsen of Princeton, Hannah Renner of Walnut, Cheryl Sims of Arlington, Anne Scheel of Putnam, Julie Andris of Chillicothe, Marcia Ahrens of Hennepin and Lori Way of Spring Valley.

Volunteers graduating from this class will have the opportunity to serve as Freedom House medical advocates (those who respond to victims of domestic and sexual violence in area hospitals); answer the crisis hotline; assist with legal advocacy and participate in Courtwatch; assist with prevention education; and assist with adult and children’s support group. Freedom House serves victims of domestic and sexual violence and their children.

Participants in the graduation class panel included Tenth Judicial Circuit Judge Kevin Galley, defense attorney Robert Rennick Jr., Henry County Assistant State’s Attorney Cathy Runty and Princeton Police Department Investigator Barry Portman.

Class topics included, but were not limited to, historical and feminist perspectives as they relate to domestic and sexual violence; the cycle of violence; power and control; listening skills; service planning, confidential communication, personal and professional boundaries, safety planning; lethality assessment; suicide assessment; abuser program services; barriers and challenges to leaving abusers; effects of domestic violence on children; child abuse and neglect; teen dating violence; anti-racism; religion and domestic violence; substance abuse and domestic violence plus working with other specific populations, such as older women, rural women, LGBT issues, immigrants, etc.; prostitution and trafficking; legal issues; history of the anti-rape movement; privilege and oppression; types of sexual assault and considerations for counselors and advocates; medical and legal advocacy; emergency room procedures; role of the advocate; sexual harassment; mandated reporting; Rape Trauma Syndrome; the effects of sexual assault on children and adult; and crisis intervention strategies.

For more information on upcoming classes, or to volunteer, call 815-872-0087. For the crisis hotline, call 800-474-6031.