Forty cell phones collected by the Domestic Violence Team

GLEN RIDGE, NJ — The Glen Ridge Police Department and its Domestic Violence Response Team finished its collection of used cell phones on Monday, Aug. 15. The collection began at the Glen Ridge Community Pool, Aug. 2, on National Night Out, when about 25 phones were donated. In boxes located at GRPD Headquarters and the Town Hall, another 15 or so were counted.

The purpose of the collection was to raise community awareness of domestic violence. The phones were given to Verizon which reconditioned and cleared them of memory for resale. Funds from the resale could then be provided to advocacy groups of domestic violence victims.

According to one member of the GRPS DVRT, who wished to remain anonymous, no one at National Night Out seemed reluctant to part with their cell phone for fear that it would still contain private information.

“Only one person asked if it had to be cleaned,” they said. “They is what we definitely recommended.”

The main question people had at the pool event was if this was the first year Glen Ridge was having a cell phone collection for domestic violence victims. The answer was yes.

Should the need ever arise, the GRPD DVRT could contact Verizon for a free phone for a victim of domestic violence. The response team is all-volunteer and made up of civilians.

“Volunteers provide assistance, restraining orders, legal assistance and relocation services,” the anonymous speaker said.”We go through pretty intensive training,” they continued. “That’s 40 to 700 hours of training with 40 being the minimum.”

A volunteer will learn what resources are available to victims, how to speak to a victim in a way that they will respond, and case studies.

“Domestic violence knows no socioeconomic boundaries,” they continued. “Most people think of the male as the abuser. The abuser could be a female. And it happens in same-sex couples. People may not be aware of this.”

Information was also given to parents to become knowledgeable of the warning signs of teen dating violence. Anyone wishing to learn more or volunteer can call the GRPD at 973-748-5400, and ask for Sgt. Dean Nardellis; or go to GRNJ.ORG/DVRT.HTM