Social Advocacy:
Woman and Children's Shelter

Domestic violence and battering pose serious threats to women. Unfortunately, abusive situations too often remain isolated within the domestic sphere. The magnitude of this problem remains largely beyond the public eye, not receiving the attention it warrants. Between 2 and 4 million women are victimized by domestic violence each year. Battered women account for nearly three times the number of annual emergency room visits than car accidents. 1,500 to 2,000 women die annually as a direct result of injuries sustained from battering. Many children in homes in which domestic violence occurs witness abuse and suffer secondary psychological effects, including aggressive behavior and depression. Male children who witness abuse are more likely to become abusers themselves as adults, continuing a cycle of violent behavior.

The Hawaii State Attorney General's Office estimates that between 1992 and 1998, approximately a quarter of the state's murders qualified as domestic homicides. Work with a nonprofit organization that focuses on domestic abuse education, prevention and victim support. This organization operates two shelters in O'ahu, one in the city of Honolulu, that provide safe spaces for abused women and their children. The shelter coordinates numerous support services, including: lodging and food, crisis and individual counseling, support groups, referrals, tutors for children unable to attend school, a domestic violence hotline and community support groups.

Job Description:
Interns and volunteers will contribute thirty to forty hours per week to the completion of tasks and projects assigned according to their skills, interests and experience with domestic violence issues. Those willing to commit to longer time periods will be given more responsibility. Interns an volunteers have the opportunity to work on the hotline, coordinate activities for the shelter's children, interact with clients, act as assistant to an advocate or shelter worker, and contribute to the client education program and shelter newsletter. All interns and volunteers will complete a comprehensive training that introduces them to the work and clientele of the shelter.

Location: Hilo, HI

Availability and Requirements:
Internships are available to individuals with a background or displaying an interest in the areas of women's advocacy, counseling, therapy, human services, anthropology or library science. Some experience with domestic violence issues is helpful. This is quite a serious placement requiring stable, mature and committed individuals.

Time of year:

positions available year-round

Minimum Length of Stay:

4 weeks

Additional Requirements:
Please submit along with your application a resume or acceptable equivalent, indicating any relevant knowledge or skills. Please also provide a brief essay (one page or less) indicating: the source of your interest in this position, what you hope to contribute to the programs indicated, and what you hope to learn or experience through your internship.