I decided to volunteer for DRCS because I wanted to combine three things, these being working from a feminist perspective, making use of my counselling skills and contributing to the local community.

The DRCS opportunity came up at exactly the right time for me. I also wanted to meet like-minded people who were equally interested in nurturing and supporting women but who came from a wide variety of backgrounds - and to make new friends.

On starting out with DRCS, I immediately enjoyed the all-female company and participating in the DRCS training was one of the best things I have ever done: it was informative, challenging and moving and our trainers were very inspiring and generous women as well as being totally dedicated and passionate about the subject matter.

Our service went live a couple of weeks ago and it suddenly sank in that I was a part of something brand new that the county has been crying out for. I hadn't thought about that aspect throughout training but it's been really interesting learning about our patrons and trustees and of course, thinking about DRCS's role in the wider community.

We are really fortunate to have an organisation that has so many fascinating, open hearted and talented women at it's core and I am looking forward to seeing how the service develops!
 
Sara

I have been involved with the DRCS for about a year now. I first became aware of the organisation when I was asked to design the DRCS logo.

From designing the logo and getting to know some of the women in the organisation I decided to take the plunge myself and become a volunteer.

I believe in trying where possible putting something positive back into the world. I have certainly not regretted my decision. The women workers and volunteers I'm getting to know in the organisation are great to be with, are all doing it for the right reasons and are just what every charity should aspire to.

Debbi

I'm Lucy, a volunteer for Devon Rape Crisis.

My background is in domestic violence, sexual violence and working with young people.

This has led me to working for DRCS.

Lucy

I have worked in the care and support of young people and adults for many years. Many of the adults and young people I have worked with have experienced sexually harmful behaviour in their lives. They have often found it very difficult to access support and someone to listen.

They have sometimes lived with secrets for a long time and when they finally find someone they can trust to talk to it has been of enormous value to them.

I believe that at times we all need someone to listen to us and to know that someone believes us. Also that someone cares enough to give us the time and space to tell our story and offer support in whatever way is needed.

Tina

I have been a volunteer at the DRCS since September 2011, supporting women who have suffered any form of sexual violence. I have a background of working with children and young people, and the values of our service are very close to my heart.

The organisation is made up of such dedicated and talented women, and I feel hugely grateful and privileged to be among them. It’s been rewarding to be there from the beginning and watch how the service grows, offering much-needed support to survivors in our community.

I believe that by raising awareness and being there for survivors, we can act as an important part of breaking the isolation and shame that can come with sexual assault. We are all committed to listen to the women who contact us, and believe them, without judgement.

Hannah

In my work as a homeopath I was seeing many cases of historical sexual abuse. I felt very strongly that I needed to give the same level of attention and care to the women out there that couldn’t access private services.

I have found that working as a volunteer, for me, has hilighted a very important aspect of the service Devon Rape Crisis offers. It illustrates in a very powerful way that we are doing it from a place of commitment and empathy to women’s suffering and disempowerment.

From a deep and connected feeling of sisterhood. I am really happy to be part of this.

Susan

I am delighted to be a volunteer with DRCS. The sheer strength of purpose and vitality shared by supportive women working together is inspirational.

My work has involved the provision of health care services for many years. More recently this has particularly highlighted Devon women’s health issues, including rape and sexual abuse and the need to provide women survivors with direct access to confidential, non judgemental and empathetic support locally.

It is an honour to be part of DRCS, an organisation that believes in women. As a woman and a mother I believe too in the significant contribution that women make to our society and how important it is to change the inequalities that can be a cause of violence against women and which disregard their individual human rights.

Veronica

Hi my name is Mandy and I have a degree in Health & Social Care and I also have a level 4 diploma in counselling.

I am non Judgemental and I have an empathetic approach towards survivors of sexual violence. One of my aims is to help women who have suffered sexual violence historically and current. My background is working with women who have suffered from rape and a sexual abuse both current and historical and I also work for another charity in Exeter.

I am joining DRCS as I have a great passion to support women and help them on their journey towards healing.

Mandy

Throughout my life I have experienced different things I wish hadn't happened to me, but they did. I had no-one to talk to. If I can help just one person by listening to them, then maybe I will have made a difference and helped them. Then it will have been worthwhile.

Nicky