PHP’s ADCAP (Advocates for Domestic and Child Abuse Prevention) program is the only domestic violence intervention/prevention program serving the Santa Inez, Los Alamos, and Lompoc Valleys. Trained and State Certified PHP Advocates, all volunteers, are on-call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to respond to Sheriff’s calls to the scene of each domestic violence crime. Advocates provide immediate comfort and support to the survivors of the violence. Short term help may include medical attention and shelter. Longer term assistance may come from PHP’s direct services programs in the form of help with basic needs such as food and rental assistance, direction to successfully navigate the criminal justice system, group and individual counseling for adults and children, and access to services from the District Attorney’s Victim Witness Program.
PHP’s ADCAP Program has produced remarkable results for victims of domestic violence.
On a recent Friday afternoon, an ADCAP Advocate responded to a domestic violence call in the Valley. Two Sheriff’s department Deputies were at the scene and reported that the suspect was under arrest for a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence. One of the Deputies informed the ADCAP Advocate that the victim was not ready to talk to anybody yet including a family member waiting outside. The family member was very upset having not intervened earlier despite all the warning signs visible in the relationship. The victim had shared her boyfriend’s erratic mood swings and violent temperament including his destruction of property. The Advocate was able to provide emotional support, offered information on the cycle of violence and informed her about resources available. The Deputy also shared with the victim her personal experience through the lens of a law enforcement official, what she typically saw in abusive relationships, and not only how devastating it is to the victim but the children and other family members as well.
The victim reported she has been in the relationship for a number of years and that these rampage episodes of anger and destruction of personal property occur every 1-3 months. In this case, when an escalating argument ensued, she tried to leave her home to neutralize the situation. However, she was grabbed and dragged her back into the house where further physical violence occurred. She managed to get to her cell phone and called 911 after which the Deputies and the ADCAP advocate arrived.
The Advocate worked with the victim to create an emergency safety plan and made arrangements to meet the next day to work on obtaining other legal services and links to the “Victim Witness” Program. The victim was relieved that help would be available on an ongoing basis to provide much needed support and expertise.
A few days after the incident, the Advocate escorted the victim to the offices of Victim Witness Services. Victim Witness was able to provide assistance, helping with the completion of legal and court documents for a restraining order and custody. The victim was quite relieved because she had been extremely worried about her abuser returning to their home and also demanding to take the children. The Advocate was also able to arrange for our partner agency, St. Vincent De Paul, to help the victim pay her rent for the ensuing month. Facing the loss of the prior boy friend’s income she and her children would have faced homelessness without this aid.
The survivor has been very grateful that the ADCAP Program and Advocate were there to provide guidance and assistance. She said that the support she received made her feel safe and confident. Knowing that she was and is not alone, that future help is available if she needs it, has made her feel she can make it on her own. 
To make a confidential inquiry about our ADCAP services call 686-0295 or e-mail: linda@syvphp.org.
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