Pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 2C:25-18, the New Jersey State
Legislature finds and declares that domestic violence is a serious crime against
society; there are thousands of persons in this state who are regularly beaten,
tortured and in some cases even killed by their spouses or cohabitants; and
that a significant number of women who are assaulted are pregnant; the victims
of domestic violence come from all social and economic backgrounds and ethnic
groups, and there is a positive correlation between spousal abuse and child
abuse; and that children, even when they are not themselves physically assaulted,
suffer deep and lasting emotional effects from exposure to domestic violence.
It is therefore the intent of the Legislature to ensure the victims of domestic
violence the maximum protection from abuse the law can afford. To that end,
the New Jersey Legislature, pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 2C:2520,
directs the creation of domestic crisis intervention teams.
The Maplewood Township Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention Team is
created subject to the appointment of a minimum of 20 volunteers. The team
shall consist of an unlimited number of volunteers who shall be at least 21
years of age. Each volunteer shall complete an application form supplied by
the township and be fingerprinted by the Police Department. Upon satisfactorily
passing a routine background check, volunteers shall complete a forty-hour
specialized training program as developed by the State of New Jersey pursuant
to the Act. Upon completion of the training program, volunteers may be named
to the team by the Township Committee to serve at the pleasure of the Township
Committee. The Township Committee shall also appoint a Team Coordinator or
Coordinators who shall serve at the pleasure of the Township Committee. The
Coordinators shall be supervised by the Township Administrator or the Administrator's
designees.
The township will provide all training necessary to team members and
will provide beepers and other equipment necessary for the effective performance
by team members of this service.