Victim Support Volunteers

To apply for the next training class in winter/spring 2011, download and complete the application to become a DVVRT or SASSA team member (Adobe Reader required). Please submit your completed application before March 1, 2011.

For more information call 609-394-0136 and speak with either Heidi Mueller or Alison Daks Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., or email Heidi at dvvrt@womanspace.org or Alison at sass@womanspace.org.

Domestic Violence Victim Response Teams

The Domestic Violence Victim Response Team (DVVRT) is a partnership of Womanspace, Inc., Mercer County, New Jersey law enforcement agencies and community members. DVVRT volunteers are trained to meet with victims of domestic violence at police stations to provide information and support at the time of a reported incident or upon request. Becoming a part of the solution to end violence in our communities can be a very rewarding experience and an excellent opportunity to meet others who share the same interest in helping victims of domestic violence.

New Jersey law requires that volunteers be available to victims of domestic violence. Other counties in the state have similar services. For more information, go to the New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women Web site. Mercer County has an active team in all 13 municipalities: East Windsor Township, Ewing Township, Hamilton Township, Hightstown Borough, Hopewell Borough and Township, Lawrence Township, Pennington Borough, Princeton Borough and Township, the City of Trenton, Robbinsville and West Windsor Township.

Sexual Assault Support Services Advocates

Sexual Assault Support Services Advocates are volunteer victim advocates who work to enhance the victim-centered approach that is now standard for providing services to sexual assault victims. They provide accompaniment to hospitals in response to crisis calls received by the hotline, from local hospitals, police or the prosecutor's office. Advocates provide crisis intervention, counseling, emotional support, information and referrals to sexual assault victims and their significant others. They may also be asked to support a survivor through follow-up with medical care and law enforcement proceedings.

General Qualifications for Victim Support Volunteers

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Relate sensitively to victims
• Communicate well with others and be a good listener
• Maintain confidentiality
• Valid driver’s license
• Access to transportation
• Application process includes background check and fingerprinting
• Complete initial 80+ hour training and ongoing training
• DVVRT volunteers and Sexual Assault Support Advocates must be "on call" at least two 12-hour shifts per month
• Bilingual individuals, especially those fluent in Spanish, Polish and American Sign Language are encouraged to apply