The initial experience of a victim of domestic violence seeking help often determines whether he or she will continue to seek assistance to escape the violence in their lives. Victims may feel nervous and afraid. The Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) is comprised of specially trained volunteer advocates whom provide comfort to victims and help them through the crisis. The DVRT program is a state mandate of the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991 N.J.S.A. 2C:25-20, b, (3). The program was established to assist law enforcement in handling cases of domestic violence so that each victim can receive the specialized information and support that they deserve.
A DVRT volunteer advocate provides a variety of services to victims of domestic violence at their local police department. When a victim of domestic violence seeks the assistance of law enforcement, he/she is offered the service of meeting with a DVRT volunteer advocate. In a confidential setting, DVRT volunteer advocates will provide victims of domestic violence with immediate support at the moment of crisis and provide all available information regarding the law, safety options, and available resources.
The goals of the Domestic Violence Response Teams are:
A. To decrease the emotional trauma experienced by victims by:
1. Providing victims an opportunity to express their emotional response to their crisis.
2. Educating victims about the dynamics of domestic violence.
B. To increase a victim’s ability to make an educated decision about their options by:
1. Increasing the victim’s awareness of available community resources.
2. Increasing the victim’s awareness of available legal options and their understanding of the legal process.
3. Informing victim of shelter options and 24-hour hotlines.
4. Informing victim of counseling services and other forms of assistance.
C. To increase the victim’s access to community resources by:
1. Providing the victim with the necessary information to access available resources.
2. Assisting the victim in contacting available community resources.
Training
All applicants selected as members of the Domestic Violence Response Team shall be required to successfully complete the Domestic Violence 40-hour training, including specific training components to be a DVRT volunteer, before being certified as DVRT Volunteer and before being permitted to respond to any Team activations.
Other Requirements
- Must be 21 years of age or older
- Must have a valid NJ Driver’s License and reliable transportation
- Must have no criminal history (Police Department will conduct a thorough criminal background check on all applicants)
- Must have no prior history as a defendant in a domestic violence matter
- Must be a good listener
- Must have sensitivity
- Must have a desire to help others
- Must commit to a minimum of one year of volunteer work
- Must be available to participate in trainings, as well as team meetings
- Must commit to 3-4 volunteer shifts per month
Interested in Becoming a DVRT Volunteer?
Please contact the DVRT Coordinator:
- 973-881-0725, ext. 206
- To fill out and submit the DVRT Volunteer Application, click here.
- To download the DVRT brochure, click here.
Interested in Taking the Training for Professional Purposes?
You are also welcome to take part in this training!
- You must complete the same application above
- Must be 21 years of age or older
- Must have no prior history as a defendant in a domestic violence matter
- Must be a good listener
- Must have sensitivity
- Must have a desire to help others
- DVRT Coordinator will conduct an interview with you