FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: 2/24/22
CONTACT: Sgt. Anthony Gigante, DVRT DVLO
Middletown Township Police Department
732-615-2075
Middletown Township Police Department is currently recruiting volunteers 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 26th-May 18th, from 6:00 - 9:30 PM, in-person and via Zoom, on Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays. Applications are currently being accepted through Friday, April 8th.
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 the Ocean Township Courtroom (399 Monmouth Road). The fourth and final week will take place on Monday, May 16th, Tuesday, May 17th, and Wednesday, May 18th. 180's current COVID-19 policy requires masks and 6-feet distancing. 180 will advise if there are any changes to this policy, and all training will shift to Zoom if necessary. Training will be provided free of charge to successful applicants.
180’s volunteer DVRT Advocates are civilian members of the community who work collaboratively with law enforcement to provide 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 training, and attend a monthly supervisory meeting. 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 Sgt. 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-six years, 180 Turning Lives Around, a private non-profit organization, has been dedicated to providing emergency safe housing, support, counseling, advocacy, education, and prevention in Monmouth County for individuals and families affected by domestic and sexual violence. 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. Visit www.180nj.org for more information. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
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