No, talking to an advocate is NOT like "talking to the neighbors". First of all, most advocates have confidentiality. The advocate will explain what limits, if any, there are on that (if the advocate learned of actual child abuse, for example, they might be required to report that to CPS), but they don't tell just anyone.
Second, you can call the NATIONAL DV hotline and talk to someone who is a complete stranger. They don't know you at all.
These people are trained EXPERTS in danger assessment and safety planning. It's what they do. We bring them in to help us train the police about what to do to keep victims safe. You don't NEED to be "in this alone"--and you are much safer (and the kids are, too) if you are not in it alone.