Mercer County Police Departments in partnership with Womanspace, Inc., is currently accepting applications for volunteers to become members of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Response Teams.
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 various Mercer County police headquarters to meet with victims. They will provide information and support in order to assist victims in making educated decisions that positively effect individual and family conditions.
In 2017, DVVRT volunteers responded 539 times to speak with Domestic Violence Victims, providing referral counseling and emotional support to 550 persons. In that same year, 68 persons were supported by the Sexual Assault Support Services Advocate Team (SASS).
Training for the Domestic Violence Victim Response Team and Sexual Assault Response Team will begin in Spring 2019. 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 and appropriate responses at a very critical time for families.
Times, days, and location of training TBD. Each volunteer must complete 80 hours of training to become an advocate.
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
Click here for application. Applications must be received by January 15th 2019.
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. For further information contact Heidi Mueller of Womanspace at dvvrt@womanspace.org or Alison Daks sass@womanspace.org (609) 394-0136.
