Police Seek Volunteers for Domestic Violence Response

(Article From The Scotch Plains- Fanwood Times)

     The police department of Fanwood, Scotch Plains, Westfield, Clark and Union County have formed a team and are collaborating on domestic violence issues.  This effort is designed to increase the safety and decrease the isolation of domestic violence victims in the region.

    The Union County Prosecutor's office and Project Protect of the YWCA of eastern Union County will assist the project.  The Police departments are recruiting volunteers from the four communities to work on the regional Domestic Violence Response Team.

    Fanwood Police Chief Donald Domanoski and Scotch Plains Police Chief Marshall Nelson state "Domestic violence is not new to our communities or to any community in our county.  Recent U.S. Department of Justice statistics indicates that violence by current or former partners of women especially is common and frequent and is a major cause of serious injuries.  We believe that many of these injuries are preventable and that the way in which we as law enforcement agencies respond to abuse can make a difference for many families in our communities".

    Project Protect provides family violence prevention, education, training and emergency intervention services.  The project offers shelter from harm and provides advocacy and counseling services.

    On domestic violence, the five police departments interact with the criminal justice and family court systems.  The departments focus on providing victims with immediate relief from dangerous situations, and they pursue the arrest of and prosecution of abusers.

    The Police hope that information and support from volunteers will enable more educated decisions and enhance support for victims.  Similar programs in the state yielded positive results.

    Applications are now being accepted at the five police departments for volunteers to serve on the team.

    Fanwood or Scotch Plains residents should contact Lieutenant Richard Trigo of the Fanwood Police Department at (908) 322-5000 Ext. 117 or Lieutenant John Shebey of the Scotch Plains Police Department at (908) 322-7100 Ext.140.