SAYREVILLE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE TEAM
love shouldn't hurt. ᥫ᭡.
About
The Sayreville Domestic Violence Response Team is a team of volunteers trained to assist victims of domestic violence. The primary purpose of the team is to offer emergency support, alternatives and referrals to victims of domestic violence. DVRT members are screened by our local police department, trained and certified in domestic violence intervention. Our DVRT provides a neutral, less authoritarian atmosphere to victims who are traumatized, confused, uncertain or reluctant to seek help. We are there to listen and to help. The team provides immediate services, resources and offers options to victims of domestic violence and their families. The Sayreville DVRT has been very active since their onset. The team continues their efforts to break the cycle of violence through community education and victim support.
Contact
Feel free to reach out to us by phone call or email at any time. While we are accessible by social media, our voicemail and email are more consistently monitored.Thank you!
1000 Main Street
Sayreville, NJ 08872(732) 525-5414
[email protected]
FAQ
Q: What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence, also called "Intimate Partner Violence," is defined as the mistreatment of an individual by a current or former romantic partner or housemate. There are several types of domestic violence, and each incident often sees multiple types appear concurrently. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, but in the state of New Jersey, it is legally defined as occurring between two current or former partners and/or current housemates who are both above the age of 18. These are the instances where our team is activated.
Q: Will talking to an advocate get my loved ones in trouble?
No, neither you or nor family will face any form of consequence for talking to an advocate. Everything you share with our team is confidential with the exception of homicide, suicide, child abuse, or elder abuse. Outside of those limitations, it is completely within your jurisdiction to decide what is shared with police. We are interested in helping, not hurting, and are incapable of personally enforcing any sort of legal repercussion against the abuser.
Q: How can a volunteer help me?
Our team undergoes formal training in order to be able to provide support in crisis. Our advocates are here to help you navigate the legal systems put in place to protect you and yours when instances of domestic violence occur. Some of our most vital functions are connecting victims to resources, assisting with safety planning, and supporting individuals through the process of filing a restraining order. Even in the absence of a crisis, we are always accessible to provide emotional support.
Q: What resources are available?
There are numerous resources available to assist victims and their families, including but not limited to housing assistance, monetary assistance and compensation after crime, legal protections and advocacy, assistance with basic needs such as clothing, hygiene, and food items, medical care, individual and group counseling, and children's services. To find a list of resources in the state of NJ, please click here.
Q: Can't I just get a restraining order?
While a restraining order may seem like an immediate solution, it is not one-size-fits-all or the best option in every scenario. Additionally, there are nuances in getting a restraining order that are important for a victim to know. Our team is available to assist in the process of acquiring a restraining order and planning for the following court processes as well as planning appropriately to ensure the most safety possible for you and your family.
Q: Are advocates cops?
No. While we do operate out of the police department, Sayreville Domestic Violence Response Team, alongside any municipal DVRT, is not comprised of police officers. We are volunteer members who work to create a safe space for victims to work through their thoughts and experiences both in the event of an immediate crisis as well as an ongoing series of events. Our team is also called upon to stand beside victims through scenarios that police may be involved in.
JOIN OUR TEAM
The Sayreville Domestic Violence Response team is always looking for volunteers, and we're happy to accept applications.In order to become a volunteer, you must:
✦ Be at least 18 years of age or older
◇ Pass a standard police background check
✦ Successfully complete a 40-hour training course
◇ Be available to serve at least 4 12-hour shifts, either 6pm-6am or 6am-6pm, per month
✦ Be available to attend monthly team meetingsTraining sessions run twice a year. On average, the schedule includes three to four classes a week over the course of five weeks. The majority are weeknights (from 6pm to 9pm) with a handful of weekends (from 9am to 3pm).Upon the successful completion of the mandated training course, new members will additionally undergo extended training with the Sayreville team via shadowing existing advocates on two to three calls.Please don't hesitate to contact us with any interest or further questions!All of our contact information can be found here.
RESOURCES
[Resources available here.]