United Way Community Care In Action: Family Justice Center of Erie County 

What is the Family Justice Center of Erie County?

The Family Justice Center (FJC) brings professionals and services together under one roof to help victims of family violence. The FJC provides a coordinated, efficient and user-friendly system that decreases barriers, improves the delivery of services to victims, and increases victim safety as well as offender accountability. Victims of domestic violence in Erie County can come to one location to avail themselves of one or more services: talk with an advocate, get a restraining order, plan for their safety, talk to a police officer or sheriff, meet with a civil attorney or a prosecutor, receive forensic medical assistance, and counsel with a chaplain.

How is the Family Justice Center Achieving Results?

• Since the FJC opened in May of 2006, it has served more than 1,300 women and 300 children have received help to break the cycle of family violence.
• Domestic violence prosecutions in Erie County have increased by 20% since the FJC opened. This increase is due in part to the effectiveness of the Center's Forensic Medical Unit, which provides documentation of injuries that might not otherwise be available.

Who are Family Justice Center Partners?

The FJC is able to provide a high level of comprehensive services because of the support of dozens of partners, both on-site and off-site.  United Way is a founding partner in the FJC, and provides technical support to FJC staff.  To see a full list of partners and to learn more about the Family Justice Center of Erie County, click here.