Astorino, DiFiore, Scheinkman Announce $900,000 Grant for Westchester Family Justice CenterCounty Executive Robert P. Astorino, District Attorney Janet DiFiore and Administrative Judge for the Ninth Judicial District Alan D. Scheinkman were joined on Tuesday by advocates for victims of domestic violence from across the county to formally announce the receipt of a $900,000 federal grant for the Westchester Family Justice Center (FJC).

The grant will ensure three years of funding for the program, awarding $300,000 annually.

 

"Prior to 2010 when the Family Justice Center came into being, victims had to figure it out themselves and navigate a complicated, intimidating and piecemeal system," said Astorino. "Today, the FJC acts as a hub.

Victims need to make just one call or walk through just one door and we will be with them every step along the way. With these funds, we will be able to continue to protect domestic violence victims and victim's families, prevent future violence and hold offenders accountable."

The FJC is located at the Westchester County Court complex in White Plains and partners with more than a dozen agencies with safety planning, legal services, immigration issues and counseling. Since its inception, the FJC has served more than 1,500 victims of domestic violence, trained nearly 1,600 healthcare providers on domestic violence issues including more than 400 police officers. The FJC offers free child care and Spanish speaking staff.

"For a prosecutor, domestic violence cases bring special challenges," said DiFiore. "Unlike crimes committed by strangers, victims of domestic violence face a myriad of challenges. The Family Justice Center gives us a tool to support these victims. By bundling services in one location, victims can receive the legal and emotional support that they need to navigate the criminal justice system, which is why the federal funding is critical in allowing the center to continue to assist Westchester residents in need."

Scheinkman added: "The Westchester Family Just Center is vital to helping victims of domestic violence get the help they need and the justice they deserve. I am delighted that this successful program is being continued."

Graciela Heymann, executive director of the Westchester Hispanic Coalition, said: "I applaud the courage and the caring that has been exhibited by Rob Astorino's staff by fully engaging with Latino advocates, partners and providers. Access to justice is a beautiful thing, but access to justice for immigrants is the true beginning of the American Dream. As an advocate and a partner with the Family Justice Center, I see that lives are being transformed and I'm happy to play a supporting role."

The press conference was held at the White Plains Public Library where a showing of "Telling Amy's Story," a documentary film about a domestic violence homicide immediately followed.

October is domestic violence awareness month. A program of fall 2013 awareness events is available online.