180 Turning Lives Around (180), a private nonprofit organization in Monmouth County, continues to provide support and advocacy to victims of domestic violence in the aftermath of a highly emotional and traumatic experience with the assistance of its dedicated response team volunteers.
180 will be conducting a 40-hour mandatory training course for new Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) Victim Advocates from April 17-May 11, on Mondays/Wednesdays/Thursdays, from 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. in the courtroom at Hazlet Police Headquarters, 255 Middle Rd., Hazlet. Training will be provided to successful applicants.
180’s volunteer DVRT Advocates are civilian members of the community who work collaboratively with law enforcement to provide support, information, and resources to victims of domestic violence at police headquarters. Advocates also discuss with victims safety planning and their legal rights in regard to obtaining a Temporary Restraining Order. By providing empathy and crucial perspective of the situation, these specially-trained advocates help to empower victims to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
Basic requirements for volunteers to apply include that they must be eighteen 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 background investigations and fingerprinting, and successfully complete the mandatory training. The police departments and 180 are committed to culturally diverse teams to better serve the community, so bi-lingual capability is helpful. Prior knowledge of domestic violence is not required. The identities of the DVRT volunteers are kept anonymous.
For an application or additional information, please contact Tina Morgan, assistant coordinator, Victim Support Program, at tinam@180nj.org or call 732 264-4360, ext. 4272. Please mention the town where you reside.
The free, confidential services of the DVRT program are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for victims of domestic violence at police departments throughout Monmouth County.
For over 40 years, 180 Turning Lives Around has been dedicated to providing emergency safe housing, counseling, support, prevention, education, and advocacy in Monmouth County for individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. If you, or someone you know, is in need of assistance, please call the 180 Turning Lives Around Confidential Hotline at 732-264-4111 or 888-843-9262, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, visit www.180nj.org. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
