180-Turning LivesAround will be conducting a 40-hour training for Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) volunteers. The volunteer advocates, whose identities are kept anonymous, work in conjunction with the police to provide support, information and referrals to victims of domestic violence at police headquarters.
The advocates also discuss with the victim his or her legal rights in regard to obtaining a temporary restraining order. DVRT volunteers, who are civilian members of the community, are available 24- hours a day to meet confidentially with victims of domestic violence, according to a press release.
The volunteer advocates are specially trained to empower victims to make decisions about their own lives. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have access to transportation, possess a valid driver’s license, be willing to serve on an on-call shift basis and submit to background investigations and fingerprinting.
The 40-hour mandatory training course will be provided to successful applicants on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, 6:30-9:30pm, from April 28 through May 22 at the Monmouth County Police Academy, Kozloski Road, Freehold Township. Prior knowledge of domestic violence is not required.
The police departments and 180-Turning Lives Around are committed to culturally diverse teams to better serve the community, according to the press release. Bilingual capability is a plus.
To request an application, contact the police department in the following municipalities: Aberdeen, Atlantic Highlands, Asbury Park, Avon, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Brielle, Colts Neck, Eatontown, Fair Haven, Freehold, Hazlet, Highlands, Holmdel, Keansburg, Keyport, Lake Como, Little Silver, Long Branch, Manalapan, Manasquan, Matawan, Middletown, Monmouth Beach, Neptune, Neptune City, Oceanport, Red Bank, Rumson, Sea Bright, Shrewsbury, Spring Lake Borough, Tinton Falls, Union Beach, Wall and West Long Branch.
Marlboro is seeking volunteers who can be on-call on the weekends.
For further information about the DVRT program, contact 180-Turning Lives Around DVRT program co-coordinators Sue Levine and Tina Morgan at (732) 264-4360, ext. 124 or 112.
For more than 30 years, 180-Turning Lives Around, a private nonprofit organization, has been dedicated to providing shelter, counseling, protection, support, prevention, education and advocacy for residents of Monmouth County who are affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, you can call the 180-Turning Lives Around confidential domestic violence hotline at (732) 264- 4111, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In an emergency, dial 911.