180 Turning Lives Around, a private nonprofit organization in Monmouth County, continues to provide support and advocacy for victims of sexual violence in the aftermath of a highly emotional and traumatic experience with the assistance of its response team volunteers.
180 will be conducting a 40-hour Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) training course for new volunteers from Nov. 4 through Dec. 4, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 6-9:30 p.m., at its main office in Hazlet.
180’s confidential victim advocates are members of the community who, in collaboration with countywide law enforcement and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners program, provide emotional support and assistance to victims and their significant others during accompaniments for timely and sensitive hospital medical examinations, and police and grand jury proceedings, according to a press release.
The volunteers also provide telephone support, which includes at the time of crisis, addressing medical and emotional needs, information regarding the criminal justice system, and referrals for service.
The advocates also provide support and advocacy to adult survivors of childhood sexual assault and their significant others.
Basic requirements for volunteers to apply include that applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have access to reliable transportation, possess a valid driver’s license, be willing to serve on an on-call shift basis, participate in an interview process, submit to fingerprinting and background investigations, and successfully complete the mandatory training.
Bilingual capability is helpful. Prior knowledge of or training in sexual violence is not required.
To obtain an application, contact Tina Morgan at tinam@180nj.org or 732-264-4360, ext. 4272.