The intervention takes place at the victim's home (once it is secured by police), at the police station, or hospital. Advocates stay with the victim for as long as necessary to provide support and options. Advocates are trained to assess the victim's needs and can offer:

1. Safety Planning   Advocates help the victim devise a safe way to leave the battering situation or to return home to a safe environment. Cellular phones programmed to dial 911 and in-home emergency responder units are available to high-risk victims.

    

2. Emergency Restraining Orders  Advocates file emergency 209A protective orders with the cooperation of the victim. The Abuse Prevention Act (Ch. 209A) was created to protect people who are battered. With the assistance of the police and an on-call judge, a restraining order can be obtained 24 hours a day, seven days a week including holidays.

    

3. Emergency Shelter  Safe, secret housing can be provided to the victim and her children on a temporary basis at no cost. In addition, referrals to shelters and transitional housing can be made.

    

4. Court Advocacy  Court advocates from the Women's Crisis Center are available daily at the Newburyport District Court to assist victims in obtaining protective orders. They assist the victim in filing the petition and stand with the victim before the judge.

    

5. Counseling  One-on-one or group sessions. Ongoing support groups are available to victims. Individual crisis counseling for adults and children and parenting skills classes are available.

    

6. Child Advocacy  Creative play groups and art therapy classes for children who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence are available to the victim's children.

    

7. Legal Advocacy  Legal specialists at the Women's Crisis Center are available to offer clients assistance with legal issues such as divorce, custody and visitation. Referrals to lawyers are also available.

    

8. 24 Hour Hotline  Information, crisis counseling and referrals are offered on a 24-hour basis by calling (978) 465-2155. All calls are strictly confidential.

    

9. Referrals to Community Resources  Information on and referrals to community social services include substance abuse counseling, housing, welfare, health care, batterers' treatment programs, elder services, HIV services, food stamps, job training, food pantries, etc.

The volunteers are rigorously screened and must complete a series of interviews with personnel from both the police department and the crisis center. With the consent of the volunteer, a criminal record check is completed on all volunteer applicants to the team.

Lay advocates receive 58 hours of instruction prior to their participation on the team, including training in crisis intervention counseling, victim advocacy and their role in police procedures.