PORT EDWARDS -- After a year, authorities are calling a pilot program meant to stop the cycle of domestic violence a success.

In October 2008, the Family Center, a Wisconsin Rapids domestic abuse shelter, and the Port Edwards Police Department teamed up to launch a program that makes trained advocates available to victims almost immediately after a domestic violence incident. Since the program was put in place, Port Edwards police have made seven domestic abuse arrests, Police Chief Joseph Zurfluh said.

Victims can speak with the advocates by phone or in person as soon as officers determine the scene is safe. Victims often feel more comfortable talking to a woman, Zurfluh said.

"When a woman is in crisis like that, even if a man is in uniform, he's still a man," he said.

Typically, about 10 percent of domestic abuse victims seek assistance, said Heather Calverley, Family Center victim services advocate.

"I know many of these victims, and I know these victims would not come forward if an officer had not offered an advocate," she said.

Although she wouldn't give specifics, Calverley is talking with people in other communities about the possibility of expanding the program. If that occurs, Calverley will start the recruitment process to get volunteers to become trained as advocates. Although she received calls from people interested last year, authorities decided to use Family Center staff members for the program while it was in the developmental stage. Previous volunteers will be contacted once expansion plans are in place.

During the past year, being a part of the pilot program has opened the eyes of everyone in the Port Edwards Police Department, Zurfluh said, making them more aware of the programs that are available to help.

"I think we've developed a really good relationship with the Family Center and the staff here in particular," Zurfluh said.

Sometimes, it's easy for officers to lose sight of the fact a victim is a human in need, he said. Taking part in the advocacy program has brought the message home.

The Family Center strives to take support services to victims and has been able to do that through the advocacy program, Calverley said.

"What is so important about the program is that without support from law enforcement, we wouldn't be able to do what we do for victims," she said.