The Crisis Center

The crisis center was WAV's first project. It was established in 1992 as the first fully- Arabic speaking 24hr crisis hotline, in Israel. It is now one of three Arabic hotlines in the country and is still the only one that deals with all areas of abuse (emotional, sexual, physical, and economical) faced by women every day. 
Services of the center
Women who call the crisis center are not obligated to identify themselves or meet with WAV, and each case that approaches WAV are kept confidential. Most of the incidents are followed up be meetings between the caller and volunteer staff.
Hotline volunteers:
• Provide moral support and counseling over the telephone
• Advise victims on the options available if they wish to seek help.
• Accompany women to the police and help them with the police procedures
• Offer legal counseling
• If necessary, direct women to WAV's shelter
• Escort women to the hospital to press for prompt and adequate care.
The crisis center is part of a coalition of 9 women's hotlines confronting the problems of rape and sexual abuse in Israel. The coalition also advocates for government programs and funding to help victims of sexual abuse.
Volunteer training
The people who work at the crisis centre are volunteers who have participated in an annual six month training program. Stage one of the course is an introduction to the work, which also includes an interview evaluation to determine whether or not a prospective volunteer is suitable for the role. Of those who apply for the volunteer position, nine are ultimately chosen to participate in the rest of the program. The course raises awareness and gives volunteers the tools they need to help women who are living under violence. Their role as crisis helpline staff is to give moral support over the telephone.
The volunteers are expected to answer calls of women seeking to report sexual assault, harassment or violence and these women are usually also seeking support and time from a caring listener. The staff assists with those looking for information, law related questions, journalists reporting on violence against women, students researching various women’s issues and calls requesting information about WAV’s other services. Thus comprehensive training of these valuable employees is essential to the crisis center and success.