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REP. THOMPSON ANNOUNCES TWO DOJ GRANTS TOTALING MORE THAN $1.4 MILLION TO SUPPORT THE FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER SONOMA COUNTY

September 23, 2016

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson today announced two U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) grants totaling more than $1.4 million for the Family Justice Center Sonoma County (FJCSC).

The first grant, known as the Pathway to Justice, Healing and Hope grant, will allocate $666,666 to the FJCSC to develop models for serving victims of multiple incidents of domestic violence and sexual assault. A central goal of this project is to develop a new screening tool and expand services for victims in Sonoma County. The FJCSC employs a unique model of collaboration and will partner with the following entities to implement this project: Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa, Council on Aging, the Inter-Tribal Council of California, Legal Aid of Sonoma County, the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office, the Sonoma County Human Services Department, Verity, and the YWCA Sonoma County. Local evaluators will provide a formal evaluation of the project.

“Breaking the cycle of repeated domestic violence and polyvictimization in Sonoma County is absolutely critical as we work towards our goal of making sure that no one in our community suffers through domestic violence or sexual assault,” said Rep. Thompson. “The funds made available by this grant will enable the Family Justice Center Sonoma County to help more victims in our community through increased collaboration and expanded services.”

“News of this grant is just terrific,” commented Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch. “The Pathway to Justice, Healing and Hope grant will focus on addressing polyvictimization, which is important for our community as it allows true wrap around services, ensuring there are no gaps in services available to victims. The FJCSC is a uniquely collaborative one-stop center that meets the sensitive needs of our community, and this funding will enhance effective response to violence against victims. Thank you to the Office of Justice Programs for providing this grant and this new opportunity to serve those in need in Sonoma County.”

The second grant will provide $750,000 to the FJSCS to support the continued operation of the Improving Criminal Justice Responses Program and to allow for enhanced victim safety and offender accountability in cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, elder abuse, child abuse and stalking by implementing pro-arrest policies as an effective intervention. The grant will support a number of staff positions to provide advocacy, referrals, legal assistance, and ongoing case management to victims. This grant will allow for enhancement of services and support for the underserved Spanish-speaking population in Sonoma County. The SCFJC employs a unique model of collaboration and will partner with the following entities to implement this project: YWCA Sonoma County, Verity, Council on Aging, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa, and Legal Aid of Sonoma County.

An integral component of the Improving Criminal Justice Responses Program is the creation and enhancement of collaborative partnerships between criminal justice agencies, victim services providers, and community based organizations which respond to sexual assault, domestic violence, elder abuse, child abuse and stalking.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a talented, compassionate and dedicated staff at the Family Justice Center of Sonoma County,” said Rep. Thompson. “Our community is safer thanks to their commitment to helping victims of domestic violence, abuse and sexual assault in Sonoma County. I’m proud to announce these federal funds, which will ensure the FJCSC will be able to carry on its vitally important work and reach even more people in need in our County.”

“The Family Justice Center Sonoma County (FJCSC) collaborates to directly assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder and child abuse in our community and this grant will provide the funding necessary to continue delivering essential direct services,” said Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch. “This grant allows the FJCSC, along with its non-profit and non-governmental victim service partners, to strategically implement new and innovative ways to provide a continuation of care for victims. Thank you to the Office of Violence Against Women for this generous grant.”

About the Family Justice Center Sonoma County:

The Family Justice Center Sonoma County is operated by the County of Sonoma’s District Attorney’s Office and empowers family violence victims to live free from violence and abuse by providing comprehensive services, centered on and around the victim, at one location. Building on strong interagency collaboration, we protect the vulnerable, stop the violence and restore hope.

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