Township of Maplewood, NJ Chapter 34 Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention Team

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Maplewood 4-7-1998 by Ord. No. 2057-98. Amendments noted where applicable.]

§ 34-1 Findings.

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.

§ 34-2 Establishment; qualification for membership; appointment; Coordinator.

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.[1] 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.

[1] Editor's Note: The Act referred to is the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991.

§ 34-3 Functions.

A. The functions of the Maplewood Township Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention Team shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) Meeting with victims of domestic violence to provide support and compassion where such meetings are requested by the victims.

(2) Providing information on available resources, appropriate agencies, hotlines, etc., and serving as a liaison with police and other agencies as appropriate.

B. The Team Coordinator will establish a monthly on-call schedule for the Maplewood Police Department.

C. The on-duty team member will respond to a crisis location only upon request of the Maplewood Police Department.

D. Team members will not provide professional counseling.

E. Team members are responsible for maintaining the integrity of this intervention/service by keeping all information confidential.

F. The Domestic Violence Team shall be affiliated with a recognized/accredited domestic violence shelter in Essex County.

§ 34-4 Township responsibility.

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.