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October 5, 2015
Groundbreaking

A New Family Justice Center for Staten Island

As we participate in Domestic Violence Awareness this month, we couldn’t be more proud to announce the forthcoming Family Justice Center on Staten Island. The Staten Island Center is the latest effort by Mayor de Blasio and the City's agencies to ensure survivors of domestic violence have the support they need to get onto a path of safety and stability. This will expand the Center’s reach to a significant range of the City’s most vulnerable populations.

Like the other four existing Family Justice Centers, the Staten Island Center will provide services for victims of partner violence, elder abuse and sex trafficking. The 10,000-square-foot Family Justice Center will be located at 126 Stuyvesant Place, in close proximity to various court buildings. NYPD Domestic Violence Prevention Officers will be on-site, in addition to staff from multiple community organization partners who will offer a variety of supportive services. The Family Justice Centers are walk-in facilities that provide free and confidential services regardless of the client’s language, income, immigration status, gender identity or sexual orientation. Victims are provided with a diverse spectrum of services that they need to put their lives back together, including:

Civil legal representation for immigration and Family Court matters

Prosecution of domestic violence crimes

Safety planning and risk assessment

Assistance with emergency shelter and housing

Assistance with filing police reports

Public benefits

On-site childcare

Counseling for victims and child witnesses

Support groups

Financial literacy

Job and vocational training

“We are proud to have partnered with the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence, our Local Elected Officials and Community Stakeholders for the groundbreaking of the Staten Island Justice Center,” said DDC Commissioner Peña-Mora. “For the first time in Staten Island, families and community members will have access to a facility with social and legal resources right in their own neighborhood. In continuing Mayor Bill de Blasio's vision for a healthy, sustainable city, we are committed to providing well-designed, safe environments that enhance our communities and contribute to the City’s growth.”