NCJ Number
177409
Date Published
1998
Length
61 pages
Annotation
This manual describes the structure and operations of the Seattle Police Department Domestic Violence Victim Support Team (VST) program.
Abstract
The Domestic Violence VST program was designed to assist domestic violence victims and their children by providing crisis intervention and support immediately following the police incident. Teams of community volunteers assist domestic victims in crisis by providing: emotional support and domestic violence counseling; short term safety planning; help in identifying and locating crisis needs; and information about the criminal justice system and community support services. The manual contains information concerning: (1) supervision of VST; (2) volunteer expectations, screening and evaluation, training, shift scheduling, monthly meetings and dress code; (3) confidentiality; (4) program operating area and hours; (5) criteria for VST call in and call out procedures; (6) use of communications equipment; (7) procedures for going on and going off shift; (8) VST intervention procedures; (9) volunteer safety protocols; (10) biohazard safety protocols; (11) VST car; (12) on call team kit; (13) shift log; and (14) VST voice mail.