United States

Be an Advocate for Survivors of Abuse

Every survivor of domestic abuse faces a unique set of challenges that impact their road to healing. Pastors, friends, and family can be a resource for a survivor. And so can an Advocate. As an Advocate, you’ll join the survivor’s team. You will walk alongside them. You will be another shoulder to lean on, another ear to listen. Another friend to point them toward the true and lasting healing found in Jesus.

Studies show that when survivors have the support of their faith community, they report more feelings of wellbeing, and are less likely to return to their abuser. 

Information

We are looking for individuals throughout the United States to work within their church as an Advocate—a friend—to a survivor of abuse. And offer them support and reassurance of God’s love.  


When & Where

Location: In the United States

Dates: Ongoing

 

What it means to be an Advocate


Getting connected as an Advocate

Your pastor may already be working with survivors in your congregation. He will let the congregation and/or survivor(s) know that there is an Advocate in the congregation they can talk to. Survivors can then choose to directly connect with you or a pastor might refer a survivor to you. Learn more here.

 

Anticipated activities 

Each survivor will be different, but every survivor needs someone to remind them about God’s great love. Advocates help by being a safe person who will listen without judging. They offer emotional and spiritual support and assess for safety. Advocates make survivors feel welcomed in church and may help the survivor connect with more friends at church. 


Time commitment 

Hours will vary based on volunteer availability and the survivor’s needs. 


Training

Kingdom Workers offers volunteers seven hours of training to equip you for your work as an advocate. Training includes topics like, defining abuse, examining how trauma affects behaviors, why someone might stay in an abusive relationship, and how you can safely help a survivor. Training is available online in a self-paced format. In some cases, training may be offered in person. 

 

Due to the sensitive nature of this volunteer opportunity, background checks will be performed on every advocate. 

 

Apply to Volunteer

 

Volunteer Testimonial

“Before I attended the Survivor Support Group Training, I was overwhelmed at the thought of possibly leading a Support Group or becoming an Advocate. I felt that I didn't have enough experience or wisdom to help support someone who had been through such a traumatic life event. However, since going through Michelle's training, I feel much more equipped and capable. She provided us with an incredible amount of research-based tools and resources and walked us through all the essential pieces of what an advocate or support group leader does. This training has given me courage and opened my eyes to many new ways I can show love and support to the women around me who are hurting. Keep up the amazing work, Michelle & Kingdom Workers!”  – Emily Krill, Volunteer

About the Program

The Empowering Survivors program not only gives survivors a safe place to talk, it also helps educate and raise awareness about relationship violence, especially within the church. Advocates give survivors access to emotional and spiritual support from a Christian friend. Support groups give survivors a safe place to talk, share their experiences, and heal in a confidential group setting.

 

Learn More

 

 

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