Volunteers Needed for Bayshore Domestic Violence Response Team

MATAWAN-ABERDEEN, NJ - The Aberdeen Township police department is currently recruiting volunteers to serve on the Bayshore Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT). In affiliation with 180 Turning Lives Around, and with the assistance of the response team volunteers, the Aberdeen police continue to make this service available to victims of domestic violence during the initial stages of a highly emotional and traumatic experience.

180 will be conducting the mandatory 40-hour training course for new DVRT volunteers from April 17 – May 11, Mondays/Wednesday/Thursdays, 6:00-9:30 p.m. in the courtroom at Hazlet Police Headquarters, 255 Middle Road in Hazlet. Applications are currently being accepted.

The volunteer advocates with 180’s DVRT Program are civilian members of the community who work collaboratively with law enforcement to provide confidential support, information and resources to victims of domestic violence at Aberdeen Twp. 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.

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, successfully complete the mandatory training and attend a monthly supervisory meeting. Aberdeen police and 180 are committed to a socially and culturally diverse team 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.

Please contact Sgt. Oliver, Aberdeen Twp. Police Department DVRT DVLO, at 732-583-4200 ext. 762 or at Darrell.oliver@aberdeennj.org to obtain an application or for additional information.

For over forty-years, 180 Turning Lives Around, a private non-profit organization has been dedicated to providing emergency safe housing support, counseling, advocacy, education, and prevention 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 180’s Confidential Domestic Violence Hotline at 732-264-4111 or 888-843-9262, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Visit www.180nj.org for more information.

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