NEPTUNE — 180 Turning Lives Around (180), which provides support and advocacy for victims of sexual violence, will conduct a 40-hour Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) training course for new volunteers from 6-9:30 p.m. June 7-30 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Neptune Township Municipal Complex, 25 Neptune Blvd.
180’s specially-trained, confidential victim advocates are members of the community who, in collaboration with county-wide 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 procedures.
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 the survivor’s significant other and adult survivors of childhood sexual assault.
Applicants must be age 18 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 checks and successfully complete the mandatory training.
180 is committed to a culturally diverse team to better serve the community, so bilingual capability is helpful. Prior knowledge of or training in sexual violence is not required.
To obtain an application, visit www.180nj.org or contact Tina Morgan, assistant victim support program coordinator, at tinam@180nj.org or 732-264-4360, ext. 4272.
