Tip #15 – Getting Help: The Family Justice Centers. Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Why doesn’t she just leave?  That’s what most people ask when they talk about domestic violence.  A significant part of the answer is that it might require visits to more than 20 county, state, judicial, medical, social service agencies and schools (especially if children are involved).  Not to mention countless lost hours from work if the victim is employed (often leading to her getting fired); and countless, disheartening repetitions of the victim’s story to each new agency in order to “just leave.”  In 1999, to address this enormous problem, the first Family Justice Center came into existence. 

One of the most significant initiatives for domestic violence victims in the 20th century, a Family Justice Center is a one-stop shop that houses most of the services domestic violence victims might need in one location, including prosecutors, police, links to local Juvenile, Family and Criminal courts, social services, child protective workers, probation, parole and immigration officers, medical and health services, counseling services for victims and children and domestic violence advocates.   Each Center is slightly different, based on the needs of each individual community.

Family Justice Centers are located all over the US.  To find one near you, check with your local district attorney’s office, a domestic violence hotline or the National Family Justice Center Alliance.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  If you need immediate help, call National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TDD).  Crime Prevention 101