The San Diego Family Justice Center: A Year of Experience and Intervention
By Amy Carney, NP
SINCE OPENING ITS DOORS on Oct. 10, , the Family Justice Center (FJC) has assisted more than 5,200 victims and family members in obtaining the care and services they need, and has received more than 17,000 telephone calls.
The concept for the Family Justice Center is unique: Bring the multiple services needed by victims of violence together under one roof, streamlining access and simplifying the process for them. The goal of the FJC is to reduce to zero the number of domestic violence homicides in San Diego. Prior to the opening of the FJC, victims had to visit up to 32 different agencies and locations in order to obtain help. Today, all that has changed. The FJC pulls these agencies together as community partners, offering a secure and confidential approach to interpersonal violence intervention.
Julie is just one of the victims helped by the Family Justice Center. Beaten by her same-sex partner and thrown out of their apartment, Julie came to the FJC for help with little more than the clothes she had on. She needed shelter, medical care and a restraining order. Her injuries had been inflicted with a belt and a wire coat hanger; she had no medical provider and nowhere to go. At the FJC her injuries were assessed and photographed; she was able to talk to the detective assigned to her case; she was able to get into a shelter. She was able to talk to a chaplain and make an appointment to get legal help, all in one location.
Housed in downtown San Diego, the FJC is close to courts, shelters, and public transportation. Services are provided on three floors of a centrally located office building. The Community floor welcomes the client to a comfortable hospitality area, with an adjacent supervised playroom for children. In a private interview room, specially trained volunteers provide support and evaluate the client’s needs. The Center for Community Solutions offers a restraining order clinic with a ‘fax file’ system; by filing with the court by fax machine the victim doesn’t need to appear before a judge in order to rapidly obtain a temporary restraining order. Travelers Aid assists victims with transportation and re-location.
Also on site is the Forensic Medical Unit (FMU), assessing and documenting injuries sustained during domestic violence incidents. This unit makes available a private examination area for evaluation of injuries and forensic photography in a supportive setting. Now in phase one of development, adult clients are examined and assessed to be certain every injury is documented. To preserve chain of custody, photos are turned over directly to the detective handling the case. Basic medical care is provided for the client, and referrals are made for primary care, mental health counseling, and children’s health. With the collaboration of the University of California San Diego Medical Center, a Pilot Offsite Family Clinic (POFC) is available for follow-up care. In phase two, documentation and management for victims of elder abuse, child abuse, and sexual assault will be offered. The FMU is staffed by a physician and a forensic nurse practitioner, and supports research and training for professionals in the domestic violence field.
The Domestic Violence Unit of the San Diego Police Department is housed one floor down from the Community floor. The detectives in this unit are present to review with the victim the events that took place and assist them in the steps of the investigative process. The victim gains an understanding of what will happen to their assailant during the phases of arrest and prosecution, and learns how the detectives will use the information they’ve collected to present the case for arraignment.
The final floor of the FJC is comprised of deputy city attorneys, representatives of teen court, probation, and victim advocates. Helping the client work through the crisis of a domestic violence incident, making a safety plan, and preparing for court are important aspects of the healing process. Knowledge of this process, and of all the available resources, empowers the client toward a positive outcome.
Funding for the FJC has come from many community, state, and national sources. Diane Stewart, director of the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women awarded the center $300,000, and President Bush hailed the FJC as setting a standard for the nation. Funding has also been received from the California Endowment, the California Wellness Foundation, the Waitt Family Foundation, and local businesses. Continuing support from the San Diego City Council, The Family Justice Center Foundation, and many volunteers keeps the FJC growing and planning for the future. In phase one, support and care for the victims of domestic violence and their families is being realized. In phase two, care for victims of elder abuse and child abuse will be added, as well as care for victims of sexual assault. Planning has started for regional centers around San Diego, and in October , President Bush recognized the FJC as the national model for 12 family justice centers across the country.
Bringing together experts at both local and national levels results in state of the art application and information, resulting in collaboration on behalf of the victim. Looking to the future, the San Diego FJC seeks to provide encouragement and support to communities in providing the same level of assistance and justice with families and friends and break the cycle of violence for victims.
Amy Carney, NP, is the assistant medical director of the Forensic Medical Unit at the San Diego Family Justice Center. She is SANE-A certified.
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