FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: 2/8/23
CONTACT: Lt. Anthony Gigante, DVRT DVLO
Middletown Township Police Department
732-615-2075
Middletown Township Police Department is currently recruiting volunteer advocates to serve on the Middletown Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT). In affiliation with 180 Turning Lives Around (180), and with the assistance of the response team volunteers, Middletown Township Police Department continues to make this free, 24/7 confidential service available to victims of domestic violence in the aftermath of a highly emotional and traumatic experience. 180 will be conducting the mandatory 40-hour training course for new DVRT volunteers April 25th-May 18th, from 6:00-9:30 PM, in-person and via Zoom, on Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays. Training will be provided free of charge to successful applicants. Applications are currently being accepted through Friday, April 14th.
The first week of training will be in-person at the Holmdel Community Center (6 Crawfords Corner Road), the second and third weeks will be held via Zoom, and the fourth week will be in-person at Ocean Township Police Headquarters (399 Monmouth Road). Volunteers will be able to practice social distancing at the in-person sessions. Masks are not required, but will be available for those who wish to wear them. 180 will advise if there are any changes to this policy, and all training will shift to Zoom if necessary.
180’s volunteer DVRT advocates 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 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 40-hour training, and attend monthly supervisory meetings.
Middletown Township Police Department and 180 are committed to a culturally and socially diverse team to better serve the community. Bi-lingual capability is helpful. Prior knowledge of domestic violence is not required. The identities of the DVRT volunteers are kept anonymous. Please contact Lt. Anthony Gigante, Middletown Township Police Department, DVRT DVLO at 732-615-2075 to obtain an application or for additional information. Applications are also available for download.
For forty-seven years, 180 Turning Lives Around, a private non-profit organization, has been dedicated to providing free-of-charge 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 24/7 Confidential Domestic Violence Hotline at 732-264-4111 or 888-843-9262. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1. Visit www.180nj.org for more information.
###