MARLBORO – The Marlboro Police Department is recruiting volunteers to serve on the township’s Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT).
In affiliation with 180 Turning Lives Around (180) and with the assistance of the response team volunteers, the police department continues to make this free, 24/7 confidential service available to victims of domestic violence in the aftermath of a highly emotional and traumatic experience, according to a press release.
180 will be conducting a mandatory 40-hour training course for new DVRT volunteers from Oct. 2-25 (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays) from 6-9:30 p.m. at Wall Township Police Headquarters. Applications are currently being accepted.
The volunteer advocates with 180’s DVRT program are residents of the community who work with law enforcement to provide support, information and resources to victims of domestic violence at police headquarters, according to the press release.
Advocates also discuss safety planning and a victim’s legal rights in regard to obtaining a temporary restraining order. By providing support and crucial perspective of the situation, the trained advocates help to empower victims to make informed decisions for themselves and their families, according to the press release.
Volunteers 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 background investigations and fingerprinting, successfully complete the mandatory training, and attend a monthly supervisory meeting.
Bilingual capability is helpful. Prior knowledge of domestic violence is not required. The identities of the DVRT volunteers are kept anonymous. Contact Lt. Steve Levy at 732-536-0100, ext. 1082, to obtain an application or for additional information.
