By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – A Family Justice Center to aid domestic violence victims has opened in downtown Buffalo. More than 32 public and private agencies gathered at the Center at the Main Seneca Building to celebrate their efforts.
The Center will offer victims all the assistance they need in one location. They will have full access to medical care, law enforcement and social services. Victims will also be offered assistance with housing and employment counseling.
Buffalo's Family Justice Center is just one of 15 nationwide. It was funded through a $1.1 million grant from the U-S Department of Justice. Hon. Diane Stuart is director of the Office on Violence Against Women at the Justice Department. She appeared in Buffalo Tuesday at the opening. Stuart said the department received more than 160 application seeking funding.
"I have to tell you we looked to communities that had already done a lot of this process, that had brought people together like yourselves to be part of this program, and Buffalo stood out," said Stuart.
Last year there were 4,000 domestic violence arrests in Erie County.