Volunteers needed for the Domestic Violence Crisis Response Team in your area. The program was formed through the collaboration of JBWS and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office. The programs mission to respond to the needs of the victims of domestic violence.
There were over 59,645 domestic violence offenses reported in New Jersey in 2019, and research shows that domestic violence is under reported. Children were involved or present during 24% of those offenses. In 2019, domestic violence murders totaled 39.
If domestic violence is viewed as a ration one act of domestic violence occurs every 6 hours in New Jersey.
Everyone has a role to play in ending domestic violence.
Crisis Response Team volunteers provide support for victims at the police department by:
- Listening and providing emotional support
- Explaining the dynamics of domestic violence
- Explaining legal options
- Identifying services that can assist the victim
- Discussing a plan to stay safe
Volunteers must first complete 40 hours of training, provided by JBWS, to become a CRT volunteer. Volunteers will be expected to attend subsequent quarterly team meetings and bi-annual training sessions. Team members are on-call to assist domestic violence victims at Police Headquarters and local area hospitals. Volunteers should have these qualifications:
- Must be 21 years of age
- Sensitivity to victims of domestic violence
- Ability to be non-judgmental
- Excellent communication and listening skills
- Ability to respect client confidentiality
- A clear criminal record
- A valid driver's license
*Bi-lingual volunteers are especially needed, but an additional language is not required.
The Police Department believes that Crisis Response Team volunteers play a significant role in helping ot reduce both the incidence and the emotional trauma associated with domestic violence. Our officers support the valuable work performed by the CRT members. Please consider joining our efforts to make the community safer for all.
IF INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING FOR YOUR LOCAL TEAM, PLEASE CALL ROBIN HUGHES, CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM MANAGER, AT 973-267-7520, EXT. 229