The AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program (AVAP) addresses critical public safety needs through community service and promotes a lifetime commitment to volunteerism. The AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program is a multi-agency collaboration to ensure direct services are available to victims of domestic and sexual violence and stalking. AVAP provides members with an experience that instills a commitment to civic engagement and responsibility. Direct Services are based on an empowerment model of advocacy and support for each victim’s choices. Program design is responsive to local community needs in development of services, sites for member placement and recruitment of a diverse member corps.