The Burlington Township Police Department, in collaboration with Providence House Domestic Violence Services of Catholic Charities, are currently recruiting volunteers for the Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT). Team members work in conjunction with the police to provide victim support, information, and referral at the time of a domestic violence crisis.
A few hours of your time can make a difference in someone’s life.
Domestic Violence is a problem. Are you willing to be part of the solution?
Applicants must be:
- 18 years of age
- Have access to transportation
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Be willing to serve a minimum of four 12-hour shifts per month, and
- Submit to a free background investigations, including fingerprinting
A FREE 40-hour mandatory intensive training course is required and will be provided to successful applicants. The course is held over a six-week period, during evening hours, and includes observations at Superior Court in Mount Holly. An understanding of domestic violence issues is a plus, as is any bilingual capability.
Call Providence House of Catholic Charities at (856) 824-0599 for more information on joining the team.
What is the Domestic Violence Response Team?
The Domestic Violence Response Team is a twenty-four hour a day, seven-day a week program created to assist victims of domestic abuse. Team members will be called upon by the local Police to meet with victims at the police department or hospital. Volunteers are NEVER asked to respond to the scene of the abuse. The goal of the program is to provide victims with the knowledge to make informed decisions based upon the options available to them.
Do I need specialized training?
Yes, Providence House will provide training to you at no charge. As a team member volunteer, you will initially receive forty hours of training, conducted over a six to eight week period. This training will give you an understanding of what domestic violence is all about and leave you prepared to respond and provide assistance to victims. In addition, there will be quarterly training to continue your development as a responder.
Are there special qualifications to become a member?
Applicants must possess minimal qualifications; no experience is necessary. The following is a list of the minimum standards:
- 18 years of age or older
- Resident or employed in Burlington County
- Valid New Jersey driver’s license
- Available transportation
- No criminal history
- Good listening skills
How often will I be on-call?
With a full running staff, the response team will need volunteers to be on-call roughly four 12-hour shifts per month. During that time, you will be required to respond to the police station or hospital within 30 minutes, as needed. You will schedule your availability with the team leader.
Why should I become a volunteer?
By volunteering for the DVRT, you will…
- Make a difference in the lives of others
- Help break the cycle of domestic violence in your community
- Have a very fulfilling and rewarding experience
- Establish working relationships with local police and local service providers
- Learn useful skills
- Be a positive role model
- Make your free time worthwhile
How do I become a volunteer?
Contact the DVRT Coordinator at Providence House of Catholic Charities (856) 824-0599. The application can be downloaded here. You will submit the completed application, at which time a free background investigation will be done. If you are eligible to work as a partner-in-service with the police, you will be contacted for an interview. After the interview process you may be invited to participate in the training process.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS BEING ABUSED, BREAK THE CYCLE, END THE SILENCE!!!
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Make a confidential call for help to the domestic violence program in Burlington County at:
1-877-871-7551
OR
Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline at
1-800-572-SAFE
(BILINGUAL, TTY-ACCESSIBLE FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED)