Domestic Violence In Montclair: 108 Cases In 2014

Montclair police responded to 108 cases of domestic violence last year.

If that statistic is shocking, then you know why the Montclair Police Department’s Domestic Violence Response Team is so important.

Instituted in 2000, the state-mandated Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) program is a volunteer-based initiative that each local police agency offers to victims of domestic violence.

The Montclair Police Department currently has about 10 DVRT volunteers who offer every victim information about available community resources, as well as a listening and compassionate ear, program liaison Montclair Detective Sergeant James Milano told Patch.

“Everything that goes on in that room is confidential,” Milano emphasized. “Whatever a victim says to a volunteer stays in that room.”

Domestic violence can happen in any town or city, even ones with quiet suburban reputations like Montclair, Milano said.

“I’m sure that every town has their fair share,” he told Patch. “Rich, poor, male, female. It doesn’t matter. Domestic violence meets every segment of life.”

The MPD recently announced that it is recruiting new members for the Montclair team. No experience is necessary and the training is free. Residents who are interested in training to becoming a DVRT volunteer can sign up at the Montclair Police Department, 647 Bloomfield Ave., or contact Montclair DVRT Coordinator Gerri Powell at 973-509-7543, or gpowell@montclairnjusa.org.

Click here to learn how to volunteer.

“From speaking to the other volunteers, I hear it’s a great experience,” Milano told Patch. “You’re providing a great service to the community when someone is truly in need.”

Photo by Steve Garry via flickr

Send Montclair news tips to eric.kiefer@patch.com