Volunteer Rape Crisis counselors?

I have applied to volunteer at a rape crisis centre near me. I would like to hear from those who work at these places, what difficulties and experiences have you had? How did you cope with the distressful things you'd have to hear? What was involved in the training?
Thankyou

In my state, the trainining was some 40+ hours of classroom training. A great deal of role-playing took place with sample situations of varying types. Also discussed were the legal issues, such as our particular organizations policy of not divulging information received during the contact, and the mandated reporter laws, requiring us to report any injury to children, threats of suicide and that sort of thing.

How you cope is by recognizing that people do horrible things to each other, but that you are there to help someone who has been through such things and to help them get to the other side.

You may also accompany people to the hospital, and counsel them on your state's policies for gathering evidence, you may accompany them to a court case, help them file for restraining orders and that sort of thing.

Usually, the training will prepare you for what you are likely to hear. At times you might feel that something is personal, or it may strike you deeply. Still, the idea is to recognize that the worst is likely over, and the person who called you is on the other side. You are there to help them.

well. im not experienced but my mom is an advocate counsoler and she was a volenteer before that and she absoloutly loves it. the only downside is late calls. but it is good to know your helping someone :)