Bound Brook and North Plainfield DVRT Advocates Needed

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DVRT JOB DESCRIPTION

Victims of Domestic Violence are different from victims of other crimes. Victims of traditional crimes are willing to call the police. DV victims are often embarrassed or afraid that police involvement will cause them more harm than good. Some police departments have reported being overwhelmed with their responsibilities as enforcers of peace inside the homes of their citizens.

A Domestic Violence Response Team member is a volunteer who has a desire to help victims of domestic violence and the police.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers 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:

1. 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.

1. To increase a victim’s ability to make an educated decision about his/her options by:

1. Increasing the victim’s awareness of available agency and 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 Safe+Sound 24-Hour helpline.
4. Informing victim of counseling services and other forms of assistance.

1. To provide concise, accurate documentation in a timely manner.
3. To maintain victim confidentiality.
5. To communicate with Team Leader and DVRT Coordinator as necessary and appropriate.
7. To attend regular Team Meetings and scheduled training sessions.
9. Spanish speaking, Bilingual a plus but not mandatory

Training

All applicants selected as members of the Domestic Violence Response Team must pass a comprehensive criminal and motor vehicle background check and the Domestic Violence 40-hour training, including specific training components to be a DVRT volunteer, before receiving certification as a DVRT Volunteer and before permitted to respond to any Team activations

The purpose of this program is to assist law enforcement agencies in meeting the following mandate of the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991 N.J.S.A 2C:25-20, b, (3):

Law enforcement agencies shall: (1) establish domestic crisis teams or participate in established domestic crisis teams, and (2) shall train individual officers in methods of dealing with domestic violence, neglect, and abuse of the elderly and disabled. The teams may include social workers, clergy or other persons trained in counseling, crisis intervention or in the treatment of domestic violence and neglect and abuse of the elderly and disabled victims