Montclair Police Seek Volunteers For Domestic Violence Response Team

The Montclair Police Department is seeking volunteers for its Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT), a group of volunteers trained to assist victims of domestic violence by offering emergency support and information on available community resources.

According to the Montclair Police Department, the DVRT program is a state-mandated initiative started in 2000 with the knowledge that victims of domestic violence are often isolated and trapped in abusive relationships.

Police stated:

“Studies demonstrate that victims of domestic violence are three times more likely to return to their abusers if they are provided with little or no support. Police officers provide protection to victims of domestic violence by arresting and processing the batterer, while volunteers help the victim to feel less isolated and alone. DVRT volunteers respond to the police department to provide emotional support, information on domestic violence, community resources and a safety plan.”

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.

DVRT GOALS

According to a release, the goals of the DVRT are:

• To decrease the emotional trauma experienced by victims through:
• Provide victims an opportunity to express their emotional response to their crisis
• Educate victims about the dynamics of domestic violence
• Increase a victim’s ability to make an educated decision about their options
• Increase a victim’s access to community resources

Send Montclair news tips and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com