Home » Police Departments Seeking Volunteers for Domestic Violence Victim Response Team

Police Departments Seeking Volunteers for Domestic Violence Victim Response Team

by Mary Galioto

Local Police Departments in partnership with Womanspace Inc., are currently accepting applications for volunteers to become members of the Domestic Violence Victim Response Team.

The team members will work in conjunction with the police to provide support, information, and referral at the time of domestic violence crisis. Team members will be contacted by Police personnel and respond to the appropriate headquarters to meet with the domestic violence victims. They will provide information and support in order to assist victims in making educated decisions that positively affect individual and family conditions.

In 2014, DVVRT volunteers in Trenton alone, responded 420 times to speak with domestic violence victims, providing referral counseling and emotional support to 522 persons. In the same year, 82 persons were supported by the Sexual Assault Support Services Advocate Team (SASS).

Training is scheduled to begin September 9th 2015. Team members will receive extensive specialized training on such topics as the law, sensitivity to the needs of the victims and their children, and how to provide swift, safe, appropriate responses at a very critical time for families.

Applications will be accepted from prospective volunteers who meet the following requirements:

  • 18 years of age
  • Posses a valid Driver’s license & available transportation
  • No Criminal Record History (applicants must submit information for a background check & interview)
  • Attend mandatory training and attend monthly meetings
  • Ability to communicate well with others and be sensitive to victims’ feelings
  • Bilingual individuals and persons fluent in American Sign Language are encouraged to participate

Anyone interested in applying as a volunteer should contact the Domestic Violence Response Team Coordinator Heidi Mueller as soon as possible, at (609)394-0136. Applications must be received by August 1, 2015. For further information contact Heidi Mueller of Womanspace at [email protected] or Alison Daks [email protected].

Womanspace, Inc. is a leading nonprofit agency in Mercer County, New Jersey, that provides a comprehensive array of services to individuals and families impacted by domestic and sexual violence and dedicated to improving the quality of life for women and their families. Programs include crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy and housing services.

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