Middletown team assists domestic violence victims MIDDLETOWN - The nonprofit 180 Turning Lives Around, in collaboration with the Middletown Police Department, have a team of specially trained volunteer advocates available to meet confidentially with domestic violence victims at police headquarters 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. The Middletown Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) went into service on July 1. The volunteers work in conjunction with the police to provide support, information, referrals and a safety plan to victims of domestic violence at the time of crisis. The advocates also discuss with the victims their legal rights with regard to obtaining a temporary restraining order. The volunteer advocates, who completed a mandatory 40-hour training course, are civilian members of the community. Anyone who is a victim of domestic violence, or is aware of a victim of domestic violence, can stop by Middletown Police headquarters at any time and ask to speak to a DVRT advocate. If the situation is an emergency, the person should dial 911. According to a press release, 180 Turning Lives Around will be conducting the next 40-hour training for new DVRT volunteer advocates in the fall at a location in Monmouth County. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have access to transportation, possess a valid driver's license, be willing to serve on an on-call shift basis, and submit to background investigations and fingerprinting. Prior knowledge of domestic violence is not required. The Middletown Police Department and 180 Turning Lives Around are committed to a culturally diverse team to better serve the community, therefore bilingual capability is a plus. There is no fee for the training. Middletown residents who wish to be considered for the next DVRT volunteer advocate training are encouraged to contact Sgt. Darren Schwedes at the Middletown Police Department at (732) 615-2041 for an application. For over 30 years, 180 Turning Lives Around, a private nonprofit organization, has been dedicated to providing shelter, counseling, protection, support, prevention, education and advocacy for residents of Monmouth County who are affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. The 180 Turning Lives Around confidential domestic violence hot line, (732) 264-4111, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In an emergency, dial 911.