FARMINGTON — Safe Voices, the domestic violence resource center in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties, seeks local volunteers to help staff its 24-hour free and confidential helpline in Franklin County.

Training is scheduled for Feb. 7-9, in Room 201 of the Roberts Learning Center on the University of Maine at Farmington campus. Sessions will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7; and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 8 and 9. All sessions are mandatory for qualification.

Volunteers work from their homes, and generally staff the line for approximately 10 hours per week, based on availability. A Safe Voices staff person is available during all volunteer shifts as a “backup” contact, should questions arise.

Interested volunteers must be at least 18 years old, should be sensitive to domestic violence situations, understand and be able to set clear boundaries, practice good self-care, be dependable, and have good listening and communication skills.

Often, the helpline is the first point of contact for people exposed to domestic and/or intimate partner violence. Helpline workers provide advocacy to survivors of domestic violence; assist in the creation of individualized safety plans; and help to identify additional community resources as needed, with support from Safe Voices.

For more information, call 795-6744, ext. 14 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email kpreble@safevoices.org.