County Seeking Domestic Violence Hotline Volunteers

The Baltimore County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline is looking to recruit additional daytime volunteers.

The 24-hour hotline, which receives between 400 and 600 calls per month, helps connect victims of domestic violence and sexual assault with crisis intervention resources, including emergency shelter and counseling.

"Volunteers make a huge impact on victims. They help victims become survivors," said Tammy Cline, a hotline coordinator.

Thirty-three volunteers currently assist with the hotline, but at least 12 additional volunteers are needed to cover two daytime shifts: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., according to Cline.

Volunteers must be 18 or older, commit to at least three shifts per month, attend a free 30-hour training session, submit to a background check and have access to a telephone.

Hotline callers do not have access to the volunteers' phone numbers, as calls are rerouted to the volunteers' phones from the main hotline number. Volunteers work from home.

"It's a great experience to build your resume and you get to help people," Cline said.

Training sessions run April 2 through May 4, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Anyone interested in volunteering may contact Cline for application and interview information by calling 410-853-3033.