Mercer County Police Departments in partnership with Womanspace, Inc., are currently accepting applications for volunteers to become a member the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Response Team.
The team members will work in conjunction with the police to provide support, information,and referral at the time of a domestic violence or sexual assault crisis. Team members will be contacted by Womanspace personnel and respond to Mercer County Police Departments to meet with domestic violence and sexual assault victims. They will provide information and support in order to assist victims in making educated decisions that positively effect individual and family conditions.
In 2015, DVVRT volunteers responded 550 times to speak with Domestic Violence Victims, providing referral counseling and emotional support to 579 persons. In that same year, 85 persons were supported by the Sexual Assault Support Services Advocate Team (SASS).
Training for that Mercer County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Response Team is scheduled to begin the first week in March 2016. Team members will receive extensive specialized training on such topics as the law, sensitivity to the needs of victims and their children and how to provide swift, safe, appropriate responses at a very critical time for families.
Womanspace will be accepting applications from prospective volunteers who meet the following minimum requirements.
– 18 years of age
– Possess a valid Driver’s license & available transportation
– No Criminal Record History (applicants must submit information for a background check & interview)
– Attend mandatory training and attend monthly meetings
– Ability to communicate well with others and be sensitive to victims’ feelings
– Bilingual individuals and persons fluent in American Sign Language are encouraged to participate
Any person interested in applying as a volunteer should contact the Domestic Violence Response Team Coordinator Heidi Mueller as soon as possible, at (609) 394-0136. Applications must be received by February 5, 2016. For further information contact Heidi Mueller of Womanspace at dvvrt@womanspace.org or Alison Daks sass@womanspace.org (609) 394-0136.
