What is the Counseling Program?

As the gateway to AWP, the 24-hour hotline is available to anyone in the community to answer questions about any issues related to domestic abuse and violence. Callers receive counseling, information, safety planning, and referrals. AWP’s full-service residential shelter provides a safe place for victims of domestic abuse and violence and their children. Individual and group counseling for victims of domestic abuse and violence and their children is available throughout the county. AWP has on-call counselors that respond directly to hospitals throughout the county.

Hotline

AWP's hotline (800.220.8116) is available to anyone 24-hours a day. Counselors answering the hotline are able to:

• Provide information about domestic and dating abuse and violence
• Give referrals for other organizations
• Provide support for victims of domestic and dating abuse and violence as well as for friends and family members who call
• Access to all AWP services and information.

The hotline is the gateway into the entire organization.

Shelter

AWP's full service shelter is in a confidential and secure location. It is staffed by advocates 24-hours a day. Services through AWP’s shelter include:

• Provision of a safe and nurturing environment
• Provision of food and clothing
• Counseling, support, and advocacy
• Financial, housing, employment, education, and legal assistance

Community Counseling

AWP’s Outreach Office is located in Lower County and is staffed with an Outreach Advocate who provides individual and group counseling to victims of domestic and dating abuse and violence. AWP’s Children’s Advocate also provides counseling for victims’ children out of this office.

Medical Advocacy

AWP has a presence in all county hospitals and healthcare clinics through our medical advocates. AWP’s Medical Advocates provide:

• 24-hour emergency department response
• Emergency, on-site crisis intervention
• Short-term continued counseling when requested
• Counseling services to patients, friends, family members, co-workers, and employees

Support Groups

AWP offers support groups that meet on a weekly basis in four different locations across the county. Victims can gain access to these support groups by calling our hotline. These support groups offer participants:

• A peer-supported environment
• A decrease in isolation
• An increase in resources
• Support services such as food and store vouchers

Children's Program

AWP offers a program specifically for children who have been a victim to or have witnessed domestic and dating abuse and violence in their homes. AWP’s Children’s Advocate works with children both in our shelter and out in the community. AWP Children’s Program includes:

• Counseling for children
• Support for the parent
• Art therapy
• Pet Therapy
• Recreational Activities

Abuse Later in Life Counseling

AWP offers counseling for victims of abuse later in life through an Older Adult Advocate, who has been trained, specifically, to help victims of domestic and dating abuse and violence who are age 50 and older. For more information on abuse later in life, click here.