Mayor Bloomberg opened the Bronx Family Justice Center on Monday, April 19, the first center of its kind in the borough to provide a one stop shop of services to victims of domestic violence.
The center opened officially with a ribbon cutting ceremony. It is designed to be a safe harbor for domestic violence victims. Located at 198 E. 161st Street, on the second floor, and it is part of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence. OCDV Commissioner Yolanda Jimenez joined the mayor in opening the center, the third of its kind in the city.
Created in partnership with District Attorney Robert Johnson, the center brings together dedicated domestic violence prosecutors, civil attorneys, and social service providers under one roof to help domestic violence victims and their families. It is located in the same building that houses the Bronx D.A.’s offices.
“We’re committed to keeping New York the safest big city in the nation, and that includes making New York a leader in combating domestic violence,” said Bloomberg. “Our ground-breaking Family Justice Centers in Brooklyn and Queens provided a safe haven for families that need to re-start their lives, and now women and children victimized by violence in the Bronx will have a new place to turn for the resources they need to get their lives back on track.”
The new Family Justice Center will streamline the process for reporting domestic violence for the victims, encouraging them to seek help and allowing them to receive the services that they need.
Borough President Diaz indicated that having the facility is necessary, but something no one likes to see.
“It is a bittersweet day,” Diaz said.
Reach reporter Patrick Rocchio at (718) 742-3393 or [email protected]