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Allenhurst Police have one citizen on their Domestic Violence Response Team [DVRT], and they are looking to recruit more.

Members of the team work as “volunteer advocates” who are specifically trained to provide emotional support and referrals to victims of domestic violence at police headquarters, according to Allenhurst Police Capt. Michael Schneider.

Allenhurst Police currently have one volunteer on-call 24 hours a day, and would like to add another, if not more, so the hours can be split, Schneider said.

Although the department does not respond to a high incidence of domestic violence calls, providing the service of a Domestic Violence Response Team is important, he said.

“One call is too many,” he said. “But having someone there for the victim even for that one call makes it worth it.”

Volunteers must be at least 18-years old and will be trained through 180 Turning Lives Around, formerly the Women’s Center of Monmouth County. The private, nonprofit organization is dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault in the Monmouth County community, according to their website.

Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation. In addition, they are required to participate in an interview process, submit to background investigations and fingerprinting, and successfully complete mandatory training, according to a press release from the nonprofit organization. Bi-lingual capability is helpful, but is not required.

The identities of the DVRT volunteers are kept anonymous.

For over thirty-six years, 180 Turning Lives Around has been dedicated to providing shelter, counseling, support, prevention, education, and advocacy for residents of Monmouth County who are affected by domestic violence and sexual violence, as stated in the release.

To obtain an application or get more information about the DVRT, contact Tina Morgan at 732-264-4360, ext 4272. For more information about 18- Turning Lives Around, visit their website.

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