DVRT Mission and Training

Our Mission

The Woodbridge Township Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) is a volunteer organization which advocates for victims of domestic violence and provides education within the schools and community with the mission to break the cycle of violence.

About The Team

Together with the Woodbridge Police Department, we provide advocacy, support and assistance to any victim, regardless of gender, race, religion, economic status or sexual orientation.

The team provides around-the-clock support to victims, meeting with them at Police Headquarters to offer resources and guidance.

Training

The Woodbridge Township Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) is  made up of volunteers from Woodbridge and its surrounding areas. All prospective volunteers are required to complete an application. A criminal background check and an interview will be conducted. All applicants must possess a valid NJ driver’s license and have their own transportation to police headquarters for assistance calls. Applicants that have criminal records or have been convicted of domestic violence may be denied acceptance. Other conditions which may prevent an applicant’s approval include (but are not limited to): psychiatric or mental health issues,  inability to read, write, or clearly speak English, alcohol or substance abuse issues, or any other issues which may interfere with the applicant’s ability to assist a domestic violence victim.

All applicants must attend 40 hours of training conducted during evening and/or weekend hours. Once the mandatory classroom training is completed, the new members will respond to police headquarters with veteran team members for field training. Team members are required to be “on call” a minimum of 2 shifts per month and possibly more, if needed. While the team member is “on call”, s/he is either accessible by phone or pager and the police department will call the team member to respond to headquarters to assist a victim. The team members are expected to respond immediately when called. When assisting a victim of domestic violence, the team member explains all available options to the victim and helps them with the process involved in receiving help either through a restraining order, a shelter, counseling groups, or any other options available. The response team members assist all victims of domestic violence regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnic background, race or religion.

Monthly team meetings are held and team members must attend (although some excused absences are allowed). Additional training may be required during the team members’ time on the team. In addition to responding to headquarters to assist victims, the team is involved in many community events to promote public awareness and education on domestic violence. All team members are expected and required to participate in as many events as possible.