Plainsboro police are seeking volunteers for the Plainsboro Domestic Violence Response Team, and are accepting applications for a training session to take place in late September.##M:[more]##
The department works in conjunction with Women Aware Inc. — a non-profit organization that provides shelter, counseling, and protection for Middlesex County residents who are affected by domestic violence — to have a team of specially-trained volunteer advocates available to meet confidentially with victims of domestic violence at police headquarters 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
These advocates, who are volunteer civilians, work in conjunction with the police to provide support, information, referrals, and a safety plan to victims. The advocates also discuss with the victims their legal rights with regard to obtaining a temporary restraining order.
These DVRT volunteers, whose identities are kept anonymous, take a 40-hour intensive mandatory training course.
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have access to transportation and a valid driver’s license, be willing to serve on an on-call shift basis, and submit to background investigations and fingerprinting. The 40-hour training course, conducted by Women Aware, will be provided to successful applicants. Prior knowledge of domestic violence is not required, and being bi-lingual is a plus.
To request an application, call Sgt. Joseph Jankowski, 609-799-2333, ext. 619. For further information about the DVRT program, call Women Aware DVRT Coordinator Jill Zinckgraf
