Domestic Violence Response Team

Press Release of July 28, 2021 for Fall Training:

Holmdel Township Police Department Seeks Domestic Violence Response Volunteers:

You Can Make a Difference 

 The Holmdel Township Police Department is currently recruiting volunteers to serve on the Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT).  In affiliation with 180 Turning Lives Around (180), and with the assistance of the response team volunteers, The Holmdel Township Police Department continues to make this free, 24/7 confidential service available to victims of domestic violence in the aftermath of a highly emotional and traumatic experience. 180 will be conducting the mandatory 40-hour training course for new DVRT volunteers October 5-28, Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays, 6:00pm-9:30pm, remotely via Zoom. Applications are currently being accepted. 

180’s volunteer DVRT Advocates are civilian members of the community who work collaboratively with law enforcement to provide support, information, and resources to victims of domestic violence at police headquarters. Advocates also discuss with victim’s safety planning and their legal rights regarding obtaining a Temporary Restraining Order. By providing support and crucial perspective of the situation, these specially trained advocates help to empower victims to make informed decisions for themselves and their families. 

 Basic requirements for volunteers to apply include that they must be eighteen years of age or older, have access to reliable transportation, possess a valid driver’s license, be willing to serve on an on-call shift basis, participate in an interview process, pass background investigations and fingerprinting, successfully complete the mandatory training, and attend a monthly supervisory meeting. The Holmdel Township Police Department and 180 are committed to a culturally and socially diverse team to better serve the community. Bi-lingual capability is helpful. Prior knowledge of domestic violence is not required. The identities of the DVRT volunteers are kept anonymous. Please contact Det. Lieutenant Michael Pigott, DVRT DVLO, at 732 946-9690 ext. 1742, to obtain an application or for additional information. Applications are also available for download at https://180nj.org/give-help/volunteer/volunteer-advocate-for-victims-of-domestic-violence/   Deadline to apply is September 24th.  

For forty-five years, 180 Turning Lives Around, a private non-profit organization, has provided emergency safe housing, support, counseling, advocacy, education, and prevention in Monmouth County for individuals and families affected by domestic and sexual violence. If you, or someone you know, needs assistance, please call 180’s 24/7 Confidential Domestic Violence Hotline at 732-264-4111 or 888-843-9262. Visit www.180nj.org for more information. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

Volunteers Needed

The Holmdel Police Department is actively recruiting volunteers to serve on the Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT). In affiliation with 180 Turning Lives Around (180), and with the assistance of the response team volunteers, the Holmdel Police Department continues to make this service available to victims of domestic violence during the initial stages of a highly emotional and traumatic experience.   Training is held in the Spring and Fall.

Citizens Collaborate with Law Enforcement

The volunteer advocates with 180's DVRT Program are civilian members of the community who work collaboratively with law enforcement to provide support, information and referrals to victims of domestic violence at Police Headquarters.

Advocates also discuss safety planning and legal rights with victims in regard to obtaining a Temporary Restraining Order. By providing empathy and crucial perspective of the situation, these highly-trained advocates help empower victims to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

Basic Requirements to Volunteer

To volunteer you must be eighteen years of age or older, have access to reliable transportation, possess a valid driver's license, be willing to serve on an on-call shift basis, participate in an interview process, submit to background investigations and fingerprinting, and successfully complete the mandatory training. 

The Holmdel Police Department and 180 are committed to cultivating a culturally diverse team to better serve the community. Bi-lingual capability is helpful.

Prior knowledge of domestic violence is not required. 

Domestic Violence Response Team Services

In 2001 the Holmdel Police Department formed a Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT). The volunteer advocates with the DVRT Program are civilian members of the community who work in collaboration with the police to provide crisis intervention and safety planning to victims of domestic violence at Police Headquarters. The specially-trained advocates also discuss with the victim their legal rights in regard to obtaining a temporary restraining order.

Volunteer Advocates

The volunteer advocates help to empower victims to make decisions about their own lives. The identities of the DVRT volunteers are kept anonymous. The 40-hour intensive, mandatory training is provided twice a year to successful applicants at no cost. Prior knowledge of domestic violence is not required. The services of the Holmdel Domestic Violence Response Team are available to victims, 24/7 at:

Holmdel Police Headquarters
4 Crawfords Corner Road
Holmdel, NJ 07733

Volunteer Recruiting

The Holmdel Police Department is currently recruiting volunteers to serve on its Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT). In conjunction with 180 Turning Lives Around (180), and with the assistance of the response team volunteers, the Holmdel Police Department continues to make available this service to victims of domestic violence. See more information about the Program, or to volunteer, contact Lieutenant Michael Pigott at 732-946-9690, ext. 1742 or email Lieutenant Pigott.

180-Turning Lives Around

For more than 30 years, 180-Turning Lives Around has provided shelter, counseling, protection, support, prevention, education and advocacy services for residents of Monmouth County that are impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence or sexual violence, you can call the organization's 24-hour a day confidential hotline at 732-264-4111. For more information, visit the New Jersey 180 website.

In an emergency, always dial 911.

For More Information

Please contact Lieutenant Michael Pigott of the Holmdel Police Department, DVRT DVLO, at 732-946-9690 extension 1742 or reach out by email at mpigott@holmdelpolice.org to obtain an application or for additional information.