to seek the services of a casework advisor -- even though it can hardly afford it.

Vice chairperson Miss Toni Daniels yesterday told The Royal Gazette the Centre has received 21 new cases in the last month alone.

And volunteers, including herself, "are pushed to the limit''.

She said the casework advisor would help female victims of violence get through the traumatic experience, including hospital examinations, Police interviews, and court proceedings.

"We did not specifically want a lawyer,'' Miss Daniels said, explaining that in addition to knowing the law the advisor should also be able to counsel the victim through the "whole distressing process''.

Miss Daniels said the advisor must also make sure the victims are aware of their legal options.

"This is especially important with some of the younger victims we get coming through,'' she said. "They often need familiarisation (with the legal procedure).'' One common request at the Centre, is how to obtain a restraining order, Miss Daniels said.

"We now have a set plan as to how to go about this, depending on their financial status,'' she said.

The Centre is also developing a pamphlet on sexual assault issues and the victim's rights.

"This was essential,'' Miss Daniels said, adding that last week she spent 17 hours on various court-related issues.

The casework advisor should be able to assist with this, she said.

The successful applicant must also have a minimum of a Masters degree and two years of relevant working experience.

The Centre hopes to have the part-time position filled by February. The deadline for applicants is December 31.

"We don't have funding in place for this,'' Miss Daniels said. "We're counting on donations from individuals and the business community. And hopefully the Government grant will be a bit more (next year).'' If donations do not become available in the next couple of months, Miss Daniels said the Centre will have to turn to its own funds.

"It is a considerable strain (for the Centre),'' she said, "but the need outweighs the risk.'' However, she warned, if the Centre is forced to dip into its own funds, the position may only be able to last for a year.