Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I become a Volunteer?
A: Fill out and submit an application. Applications are available to be filled in online. Then simply print, sign and submit to either office.  Applications can also be requested via e-mail. Simply e-mail your request to info@snvs.ca. Lastly you may drop into one of our two locations to pick up an application. Marathon – 2 Ontario Street, Suite 11 or in Manitouwadge – OPP Detachment (Entrance at rear of building).

Completed applications should be returned to either office. You will then be contacted by one of our staff for follow up about the process.

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Q: How do I know that my “situation” won’t be talked about all over town?
A: All volunteers are required to take an Oath of Confidentiality. Violations of this oath will not be tolerated.

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Q: If I am a victim, how is the program accessed?
A: When there is police and or other emergency personnel involvement, the program will likely be suggested to you. You may also request the service. Upon your consent, a volunteer team can attend on site if deemed safe, can respond by telephone or staff may follow up the next day.

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Q: Why is consent so important?
A: People who have been the victims of crime or a sudden, tragic circumstance may feel that they have no control over what is happening to them. It is essential that they begin to have a sense of control at the earliest opportunity. The chance to choose or refuse Victim Services is a first step on the way to regaining control. Even when it is believed that Victim Services would be a big help, it is up to the victim to make that choice. If the offer of our services is declined, a volunteer team will not be dispatched.

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Q: What can volunteers do?
A: Our volunteer teams provide immediate emotional and practical support. They provide referrals to local service agencies. If necessary, our volunteers can help you access family to be with you, and help you sort out what to do next. Our volunteers may make transportation arrangements on your behalf, be it to a hospital after an accident, to an available shelter, etc.

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Q: What sort of commitment do you expect from a volunteer?
A: We prefer that volunteers be able to commit to serving a full year. We ask that volunteers be “on call” for a predetermined period. This means that volunteers pick up a kit from the office, which contains a pager, cell phone and a resource kit. While on call, volunteers carry the pager and are free to carry on with their regular life. If the pager goes off, the volunteer team is expected to respond immediately or within our response time of 30 minutes.

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Q: It sounds like it could be dangerous, is it?
A: We work very closely with the police to make sure it is safe. If volunteers are responding to a domestic situtation, we ask the police to confirm that the offender has been removed. If the police feel that it is an unsafe situation, volunteers will not be sent out. Volunteers may meet the victim in a police detachment, at a hospital, etc.

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Q: Why is access to a car required?
A: Volunteer teams may be called anywhere within the area covered by the detachment. As volunteer teams travel together and may live some distance apart from each other, a valid driver’s license, insurance and access to a car is required.

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Q: What if more people are needed or if a volunteer gets sick and can’t go on a shift?
A: A roster of available people will be maintained for such an instance. We realize that “life happens” and there may be times when volunteers are unable to fulfill their commitment.

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Q: What happens if a call comes in involving a close friend?
A: It is highly recommended that you notify us of that situation and asked to be replaced, as it could change the relationship you have with your friend.