Domestic Violence Response Team Volunteers Can Apply In Holmdel

HOLMDEL, NJ — The Holmdel Police Department is seeking volunteers to participate in its Domestic Violence Response Team, the department said.

Volunteer victim advocates would have mandatory training and work with 180 Turning Lives Around, based in Hazlet.

In affiliation with 180 Turning Lives Around, 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.

The 180 Turning Live Around volunteer victim advocates are civilian members of the community who work 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 support and crucial perspective of the situation, these specially trained advocates help to empower victims to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

Applications are currently being accepted to train for the program. The deadline to apply is Oct. 1.
The mandatory 40-hour training course for new volunteer victim advocates is being conducted by 180 Turning Lives Around staff from Oct. 11 to Nov. 2, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., in-person and via Zoom on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Week 1 is in-person at the Holmdel Community Center. Weeks 2 and 3 are via Zoom. Week 4 is in-person in the Ocean Township Courtroom on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 and 2.

Weeks 1 and 4 have COVID safe-distance ability. Masks are not required, but will be available for those who wish to wear one. We will advise if there are any changes to our policy and will shift to all Zoom, if necessary. Training will be provided free of charge to successful applicants.

Basic requirements for volunteers to apply include that they 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 monthly supervisory meetings.

Bi-lingual capability is helpful. Prior knowledge of domestic violence is not required. The identities of the volunteers are kept anonymous.

For 46 years, 180 Turning Lives Around, a private nonprofit organization, has been dedicated to providing emergency safe housing, support, counseling, advocacy, education and prevention in Monmouth County free of charge for individuals and families affected by domestic and sexual violence.

If you, or someone you know, is in need of assistance, please call the agency's 24/7 Confidential Domestic Violence Hotline at 732-264-4111 or 888-843-9262. Visit www.180nj.org for more information. In an emergency, call 911.