Feds Recognize Alameda and Contra Costa Counties for Work Caring for Domestic Violence Victims
OAKLAND — In recognition of 20 years since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act, federal officials this week visited East Bay family justice centers to applaud efforts in Alameda and Contra Costa counties to protect women and children. Both East Bay counties are considered to be leaders nationwide in how they respond to and address domestic violence and other crimes against women at the local level. Both Alameda and Contra Costa counties use a “coordinated response” model, in which police, prosecutors and victim advocates all work together to address an individual victim’s needs. Read More.
Family Justice Center Opens at New Location
After breaking ground in 2013, the West Contra Costa Family Justice Center held its grand opening this month at 256 24th Street. In the first year at its new location, the center is expected to help an estimated 2,000 survivors of domestic violence, family violence, elder abuse and human trafficking. The center moved from its temporary location at Richmond Police Department’s substation at Hilltop Mall, where it had operated since 2011. Mayor Tom Butt, who spoke at the opening reception, said the center was the first… Read More
Richmond: Family Justice Center Offers Services, Hope to Community
RICHMOND — Menbere Aklilu said she was alone, scared and nine months pregnant when she fled an abusive relationship. Her husband had beat her, verbally abused her and left a trail of cigarette burns on her body. Eventually, Aklilu found a women’s shelter where she gave birth and began piecing her life together. “I allowed myself to be abused one more day because I had nowhere to go or anyone who to contact,” said Aklilu, who was born and raised in Ethiopia and immigrated to the United States 20 years ago. On Thursday, Aklilu, who now owns Salute, a popular Italian restaurant in Richmond, shared her story during the grand opening of the West County Family Justice Center, a one-stop resource center for victims of domestic and sexual violence, elder abuse and human trafficking. Read More
West County Family Justice Center Holds Well-Attended, Emotional Grand Opening
After more than a decade in the making, West Contra Costa County’s first permanent one-stop center to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other abuse held its grand opening Thursday. The West Contra Costa Family Justice Center at 256 24th St. is an all-inclusive resource for victims and their families, providing access to an array of social services and law enforcement assistance. Its newly renovated 7,200-square-foot facility replaces the temporary site at the Richmond Police Department substation at Hilltop Mall, which opened in 2011. While in the past victims would have to travel to various locations around the county to tap various resources, the West County center includes those services in one spot and within walking distance of BART. The… Read More
New family justice center opens doors in Richmond
RICHMOND — Ten years ago, it was a mere dream. On Thursday, the West Contra Costa Family Justice Center will finally open its doors to the public at a grand opening celebration starting 3 p.m. The center, located at 256 24th St. in Richmond, will be a refuge for victims of domestic and sexual violence, a one-stop shop were clients can meet with police, counselors and attorneys, obtain emergency shelter, safe housing and job-placement help. The new center, a 7,200-square-foot facility located inside a former mental health patient intake center, will be within walking distance to the Richmond BART station. “What’s unique about the center is that it’s client-centric,” said Contra Costa Family Justice Center Executive Director Susun Kim. “Without it, the victim has to navigate through 20 to 30 different systems, travel to different locations and navigate different systems all while in crisis. This makes it easier for them to access services and get to safety faster.” Beyond crisis intervention, the center will also offer housing, educational and other services to help clients not only get back on their feet but also thrive, Kim said. Thursday’s festivities are open to the public and begin with guided tours starting at 3 p.m., followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. and an open house at 5 p.m. Contact Karina Ioffee at 510-262-2726 or kioffee@bayareanewsgroup.com. Follow her at Twitter.com/kioffee Download the pdf flyer from San Jose Mercury News
Acting DA Singas Proposes One-Stop Shop for Victims of Domestic Violence
Mineola, NY – June 1, 2015 – Acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas has proposed and is working with regional and local governmental and non-governmental partners to create a comprehensive one-stop shop for domestic violence victims that would allow them to receive legal, health, financial and other services in one convenient location next to Nassau County courts, addressing many of the logistical issues that currently make it difficult for victims to get the help they need during domestic violence prosecutions. “Four New York City boroughs and Westchester County have Family Justice Centers to serve as comprehensive one-stop shops for domestic violence victims, and it’s time we provide Nassau County victims with these critical resources in the most efficient and effective way we can,” Acting DA Singas said. “No victim of a crime should have to miss out on the services they need because government failed to coordinate resources, and that’s why I’ve made the creation of Long Island’s first Family Justice Center a priority. I’m grateful to County Executive Edward Mangano for his support and commitment to this important project, and I look forward to working with our government and community partners to ensure its success.” Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano stated, “I declared Family and domestic violence are public health emergencies that threaten the lives of children and other family members. Since taking office, my administration has worked tirelessly to reduce violence in our communities. The creation of a comprehensive one-stop shop is critical for domestic violence victims to receive assistance and obtain other resources they need to get help.” [read more]
Concord City News and Activity Guide – Summer 2015
Family Justice Center Opens in Downtown Concord “Concord’s Central County Family Justice Center (FJC) is open for business. A ribbon cutting and open house were held March 19 at the FJC offices in Salvio Pacheco Square, 2151 Salvio St., Suite 201.” Read on and see the pictures in the pdf version.
Feds Recognize Alameda and Contra Costa Counties for Work Caring for Domestic Violence Victims – The Mercury News
“In recognition of 20 years since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act, federal officials this week visited East Bay family justice centers to applaud efforts in Alameda and Contra Costa counties to protect women and children.” http://www.mercurynews.com/2015/04/16/feds-recognize-alameda-and-contra-costa-counties-for-work-caring-for-domestic-violence-victims/
Grand Opening of Central Contra Costa County’s First Family Justice Center
Central Family Justice Center Grand Opening of Central Contra Costa County’s First Family Justice Center Mar 19, 2015 Concord – After today, victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse and human trafficking will have a place to go in Central to get the comprehensive assistance necessary to get out of harm’s way and obtain the services they need to heal and move forward in their lives. The Central Family Justice Center at 2151 Salvio Street, Suite 201, at Todos Santos Plaza in Downtown Concord, celebrated its official Grand Opening today at 12pm. With the support of dozens of community groups and private sector donors, this new facility, the first of its kind in Central Contra Costa County, is the brainchild of Concord Mayor Tim Grayson and Chief of Police Guy Swanger, who will both be speaking attomorrow’s opening. “National estimates show that victims of domestic and other kinds of abuse may have to access as many as 32 different agencies for assistance,” said Grayson, who in addition to serving his second year as Mayor of Concord is also the Emergency Response Chaplain for the Concord Police Department. “Oftentimes victims, with their children, are so frustrated and overwhelmed by maneuvering through the bureaucracies that they forego the help they need and return home to potentially dangerous environments,” Grayson added. “Our opening Central County’s first Family Justice Center will hopefully make it easier for victims to get the immediate help they need,” Grayson added. Grayson said that at least a dozen services will be easily accessible in or through the new Central Family Justice Center, which he anticipates will serve more than 2,000 individuals per year.
Concord Pd Reminds Residents of Central County Family Justice Center
Concord Pd Reminds Residents of Central County Family Justice Center The Family Justice Center is open and located at 2151 Salvio St. By SUSAN C. SCHENA (Patch Staff)March 30, 2015 News submitted from the Concord Police Department: The CCC Family Justice Center had its grand opening at 2151 Salvio Street. The center is a “one stop” shop to assist the central county communities with services. These services are designed to help victims of all crimes with a central location to get assistance. Services range from public information on victim resources, Domestic violence & criminal advocacy, Victim witness compensation, and law enforcement assistance. The center is opened Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm. Their phone number is (925) 521-6366. Please feel free to call for more information.