City seeking volunteers for 24-hour response team

LONG BRANCH - The city police department is seeking volunteers to join its Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) and become advocates for victims of domestic violence.

The police department, in conjunction with 180 Turning Lives Around, has a team of a specially trained volunteer advocates available to meet confidentially with victims of domestic violence at police headquarters on Broadway 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The advocates of the DVRT work in conjunction with the police to provide support, information, referrals and a safety plan to victims at their time of crisis. The advocates, who are civilian members of the community, also discuss with the victim their legal rights in regard to obtaining a temporary restraining order.

The volunteers are specially trained to empower victims to make decisions about their own lives. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have access to transportation, possess a valid driver's license. Be willing to serve on an on-call basis and submit to background investigations and fingerprinting.

A 40-hour intensive mandatory training course will be provided to successful applicants Monday through Wednesday, 6:30-9:30 p.m., from April 28 though May 22 at the Monmouth County Police Academy in Freehold.

The Long Branch Police Department and 180 are committed to culturally diverse teams to better serve the community and prior knowledge of domestic violence is not required.

To request a DVRT application, contact Long Branch Detective Kimberly Leavy at (732) 571-5681, ext. 5343.

Someone who is a victim of domestic violence can stop by Long Branch Police Headquarters at 344 Broadway anytime to speak to a domestic violence victim advocate.

For over 30 years, 180, a nonprofit organization, has been dedicated to providing shelter, counseling, protection, support, prevention, education and advocacy for residents of Monmouth County who are affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. For more information about 180, visit www.180nj.org.