APply to become a VST Volunteer
Download the volunteer application:
Or call Sarah Sorensen, VST Volunteer Supervisor at 206.615.0892 or email sarah.sorensen@seattle.gov
to request an application packet.
VST Application ( PDF 
)
VST Application ( Word 
)
Mail completed application to:
Domestic Violence Victim Support Team
Seattle Police Department
Sarah Sorensen
DV Unit #791
610 5th Avenue
PO Box 34986
Seattle, WA 98124-4986
Next Workshop Dates
Before each training academy we host two new volunteer open house sessions for prospective volunteers. The purpose of these sessions is to provide a better understanding of the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of domestic violence victims as a Victim Support Team volunteer, and to explain the requirements for becoming a volunteer.
The dates for the next open house/screening are as follows:
- TBD
All VST Open House events are held at the West Precinct 810 Virginia St.
You must attend open house/screening to be considered for next academy training.
For more information call: 206-615-0892
Once you have attended the New Volunteer Orientation and Screening, you are invited to set up a date for an interview. Interviews are scheduled at the New Volunteer Orientation, and are typically conducted 1-2 weeks following the New Volunteer Orientation and Screening event. Interviews are held at the Seattle Police Department Headquarters building, located in downtown Seattle at 610 5th Avenue (on the Southeast corner of 5th Avenue and Cherry Street). You will also need to pass a Seattle Police Department background check.
If accepted into our VST training academy, we will begin the backgrounding process. During this process, you will be asked to complete a Seattle Police Department Personal History Questionnaire, you must pass a criminal history and records checks, and must get fingerprinted.
Upon approval of your background check, you will be formally accepted to our 7-week VST Training Academy.
We conduct two academies per year, one each Fall and one in the Spring. The next academy is scheduled from April 7th thru May 19th 2012 and will take place each Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. during this time. Academy training topics may include:
- Domestic Violence 101
- Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
- Crisis Intervention
- Active Listening
- VST Intervention Procedures and Protocol
- Resources & Referrals
- Police Culture
- SPD's Response to Domestic Violence
- Court Orders
- Geography
- Personal Safety
- Radio Training
- Car Seat Safety
- And more!
As part of training academy, you will also participate on a ride-along with a patrol officer, and a "shadow shift" with one of our current VST teams.
