Tomorrow (Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 2:30 to 4:30 PM) the Essex County Family Justice Center, a partnership between multiple agencies that assist victims of domestic violence, will officially open its new location at 89 Market Street in Newark.
Attorney General Paula T. Dow and Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray will be among those attending.
The Family Justice Center (FJC) provides co-located and coordinated services to Essex County residents who are victims of domestic violence. The Family Justice model is designed to reduce the fragmentation of existing services so victims of domestic violence do not have to go from place to place telling their story of abuse and violence repeatedly. This model is recognized as a best practice in the field of domestic violence intervention and prevention by the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women.
In 2010, following two years of planning, New Jersey’s first and only Family Justice Center was established in Essex County to provide a limited range of services in temporary space allocated by the Family Court and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. During the first sixteen months of operation, the Family Justice Center assisted 1,336 victims of domestic violence who made 2,333 visits to the Center for assistance.
In late September of this year, the Family Justice Center moved to the new location at 89 Market Street in Newark, where the scope of services will be expanded. The Grand Opening on October 26th will acknowledge the extraordinary support and collaboration of the many individuals and organizations that have helped the Family Justice Center meet its mission – to enhance the safety and autonomy of domestic violence victims and their children by providing accessible and coordinated services in one location.
Reporters are welcome to cover this event. For additional information, please contact Mary Houtsma, Executive Director of the Family Justice Center at 973-286-3890 x 203.
