Monday's opening of the Family Justice Center, a collaboration between the Westchester County Office for Women and the District Attorney’s Office, will provide "one-stop" assistance for victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.
With all the services in one secure location -- the Westchester County Courthouse Complex in White Plains -- victims will no longer have to “run around” from one place to another, re-telling and re-living their stories of abuse with each agency or provider. They will only have to make one stop to find protection from their abuser, legal/prosecutorial help, counseling and other free services from the Center’s professionals and volunteers.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for victims of domestic violence to get the help they need,” said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. “The Family Justice Center brings together all the critical services in one place – legal advice, help finding a safe place to live, counseling and child care. We are confident this program will make a difference in so many lives.”
District Attorney Janet DiFiore said this consolidation, which she has been advocating since 2006, will make it easier for victims who are often fearful about coming forward.
“We at the District Attorney’s Office appreciate how hard it is for victims of domestic violence to move ahead with the prosecution of their loved ones because of the consequences that can result. The Center is designed to enhance our ability as prosecutors to protect victims and give them the support, services and guidance necessary to assist them in the criminal justice process.”
The Center’s funding comes from a $1 million federal grant, secured by the Office for Women with the support of Rep. Nita Lowey.
“The new Family Justice Center will provide victims of domestic violence with all the legal assistance and support services they need to feel safe and secure,” Lowey said. “I am pleased that this federal grant from the Office on Violence Against Women in the U.S. Department of Justice has made it possible to expand these important services.”
Camille Failla Murphy, director of the Office for Women, emphasized how difficult it can be for victims to access services that were previously dispersed throughout the county and how much of a difference it will make having them available in one place.
“I am grateful to all the agencies that have joined the Family Justice Center partnership to make it easier for victims to become safe and receive the support they need to build a new life with economic independence and ultimately, happiness,” Murphy said.
The Family Justice Center is located in the Westchester County Courthouse complex in White Plains in space provided by the District Attorney’s Office. The Center brings together shelter services, legal services, counseling, child care, and even spiritual support for domestic violence victims.
Bilingual victim advocates have special training to assist older or disabled victims. The Pace Women’s Justice Center, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, Empire Justice Center, My Sisters’ Place, Hope’s Door, Victims Assistance Services and the Department of Social Services will also have staff on-site along with volunteers from the Interfaith Caring Community of Greenburgh.
The increased collaboration between these partners is designed to improve the quality and efficiency of services and ultimately the safety of domestic violence victims in Westchester County.
A new director, former Ossining Police Chief Kenneth Donato, will oversee its operation.
The Center, which will offer free services, will begin operating with referrals from member agencies, and eventually, be able to accommodate walk-in clients.