Mercer County's Womanspace Recruiting Volunteers For Response Teams

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Womanspace, located in Lawrenceville, is looking for community members to train as volunteers for the Response Teams of Mercer County.

These teams consist of trained and dedicated volunteers who meet with victim-survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence during their moments of crisis.

The commitment and expertise of advocates are essential in providing survivors with the support and resources they need.

In 2023, Womanspace received 6,777 calls to hotlines, and 364 victims received crisis assistance. "These numbers underscore the critical need for dedicated volunteers who can offer support in times of crisis," WOmanspace officials said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nationally, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience intimate partner physical violence.

Womanspace Volunteer Response Team advocates provide support and tangible resources to victim-survivors at difficult times.

In cases of domestic violence, advocates meet victims at the police department, while in cases of sexual assault, advocates meet victims at the hospital.

Advocates serve as unconditional champions of victim-survivors and offer information on resources for future self-advocacy. "Our goal is to empower victim-survivors to make informed decisions that are best for their lives and families," the organization said.

Domestic and sexual violence remain significant issues in Mercer County, officials said.

Applications are being accepted, with the deadline to apply on Sept. 24. Training begins on Oct. 10.

To apply, fill out and submit the application.

For questions or more information, email responseteamstraining@womanspace.org or call Varonda Kendrick at 609.394.0136 ext 210

Womanspace was founded in 1977, and is a leading nonprofit organization serving the greater Mercer County area and the state of New Jersey by providing a comprehensive array of emergency and follow-up services to individuals and families impacted by domestic and sexual violence.