1. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology NYC FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER BROOKLYN, NY NYC Family Justice Center Brooklyn, New York Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? COSC – The National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual, and Gender-based Violence Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform May 2008 Kings County District Attorney’s Office Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence

2. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology PRESENTATION AGENDA  History  Partners  Clients  Measuring Success  Lessons Learned

3. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology It has been a long road… Family Justice Center, Brooklyn N.Y. “A Series of Firsts” 1990 District Attorney Charles J. Hynes takes office and begins one of the first Domestic Violence Bureaus in a large urban district attorney’s office. 1994 Mandatory Arrest Laws pass in New York State. 1995 Specialized Social Workers hired. 1996 Specialized Domestic Violence Court begins in Brooklyn – First Felony Domestic Violence Court in USA 1997 Misdemeanor Courts open 2006 Integrated Domestic Violence courts open

4. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology KCDA GRANTS Key: Community Collaborations Funding Source: Office on Violence Against Women 1997 Project Save 1998 Central Brooklyn Task Force – –KCDA – –Arab American Family Support Center – –Asian Women’s Center – –Center Against Domestic Violence – –NYPD 1999 Barrier Free Justice – –Barrier Free Living (Shelter) – –South Brooklyn Legal Services

5. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology KCDA GRANTS (continued) 2001 Project Eden2001 Project Eden 2003 Project Shield2003 Project Shield – –YAI – National Institute for People with Disabilities 2003 Altria – Eden2003 Altria – Eden 2004 Youthful Offender Court2004 Youthful Offender Court – –Steps to End Family Violence 2007 Early Victim Engagement2007 Early Victim Engagement – –Safe Horizon – –Safe Homes

6. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology WHAT DID WE LEARN? Criminal Justice “Episodically” – Driven Relates to specific incidents Criminal Justice: Fast with specific timelines to follow Prosecutors represent the “State” Domestic Violence “Whole life” – Driven Beyond one event Slow, resource intensive

7. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology GOAL Basic Premise: Isolation of Victim supports the offender. Longer the isolation, greater victim risk.Goal: Reduce isolation by supporting the victim with an array of services that is easily and quickly accessed.

8. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology SHORT -TERM Collapse amount of time it takes to address the “whole life” of the victim.Collapse amount of time it takes to address the “whole life” of the victim. The greater the access to meaningful and varied support and help, the shorter the time children will be exposed.The greater the access to meaningful and varied support and help, the shorter the time children will be exposed. If children’s exposure is abbreviated, the cycle of violence will be curtailed.If children’s exposure is abbreviated, the cycle of violence will be curtailed.

9. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology LONG-TERM Intimate Partner Homicides will decrease due to help available earlier – Immigrants especially.Intimate Partner Homicides will decrease due to help available earlier – Immigrants especially. More services and greater variety will be accessed so individual “fit” is achieved by client.More services and greater variety will be accessed so individual “fit” is achieved by client.

10. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology NYC FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER BROOKLYN, NY   Opened July 20, 2005   Dedicated in memory of Regina Drew.

11. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology NYC FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER BROOKLYN, NY  NYC – Brooklyn - one of 15 sites nationally to receive U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women start-up grant.  The FJC is an entire floor (30,000 square feet) in the Kings County District Attorney’s Office in downtown Brooklyn – located in a city leased high-rise building that is close to transportation hubs and the courts.  District Attorney Hynes made room within our agency, relocating over 100 employees, so that community organizations could move in with us.  Co-located, wrap around, holistic criminal justice and community based services for victims of intimate partner violence and elder abuse in Brooklyn.

12. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology PARTNERS  FJC Administration (Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence) operates Center; partner agencies deliver direct services to clients.  Kings County District Attorney’s Office (“KCDA”) is the co-lead partner agency with the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence.  14 community nonprofit agencies on-site with either full or part- time staffing.  4 civil legal providers on-site with full or part time staffing.  6 government agencies on-site with full or part-time staffing (KCDA, New York City Police Dept., Probation, Human Resources Administration (public assistance), DOITT and Department for the Aging).

13. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology FJC ON-SITE PARTNERS Community Side of the FJC: (Approximately 70 staff, 20 active volunteers/interns)  Nonprofit victim advocates (ranging from case managers to Master Level social workers) from 14 community based nonprofit groups  Civil legal attorneys from 4 on-site civil legal agencies  Interfaith Spiritual Caregivers  Volunteers/Interns – provide both administrative support and law school student support

14. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology WHAT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON-SITE AT THE FJC? CRIMINAL:  Prosecution of all intimate partner violence and elder abuse arrest cases in Brooklyn  Crisis Intervention  Short and Long-term Counseling, Support Groups  Police Services  Probation Information

15. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology On-Site Services Provided at FJC (continued) CIVIL:   CIVIL Legal Services – family law and immigration   Drafting of temporary order of protection petitions   Elder Abuse Services – Elder OP project

16. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology On-Site Services Provided at FJC (continued) ECONOMIC:   Housing/shelter advocacy   Self-Sufficiency Services - English Classes, job placement and readiness   Public Assistance information   Practical Assistance (food pantry, clothing closet, baby supplies)

17. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology On-Site Services Provided at FJC (continued) MENTAL HEALTH:   Children’s Services – Margaret’s Place – supervised play, counseling   Voluntary Interfaith Spiritual care

18. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology Criminal Justice / Government Side of the FJC: (Approximately 80 staff)   Kings County District Attorney’s Office -The entire Domestic Violence Bureau including misdemeanor and felony Assistant District Attorneys, government victim advocates, detective investigators and support staff   1 New York City Department of Probation Officer   2 New York City Police Department Domestic Violence Prevention Officers   Human Resources Administration (Public Assistance Money)   Department for the Aging

19. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology FJC CLIENT VOLUME  Brooklyn has a population of over 2.5 million - most people of the 5 boroughs in NYC  Close to 37% of clients are foreign-born  Brooklyn has the highest number of reported domestic violence crimes citywide  The Kings County District Attorney’s Office (Brooklyn) prosecutes all domestic violence misdemeanor and felony crimes in Brooklyn- average of 8,000 domestic violence cases per year

20. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology CLIENTS How Do Clients Get There? ARRESTS Currently, approximately 65% of clients at the FJC are referred by The DA’s Office. REPEAT / FOLLOW-UP VISITS Agencies on-site make appointments for follow-up. REFERRALS Police Family Court Community Organizations Media

21. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology FJC CLIENT SUCCESS STORY Abuser was arrested for assault on victim. Abuser on Parole at time of arrest.Abuser was arrested for assault on victim. Abuser on Parole at time of arrest. Victim came to FJC to meet with a prosecutor.Victim came to FJC to meet with a prosecutor. Criminal Justice Assessment done:Criminal Justice Assessment done: –What is available evidence? PhotosPhotos 911 emergency call911 emergency call Domestic Incident ReportDomestic Incident Report –What are provable charges? –What are likely outcomes? –Can Parole violate offender?

22. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology WHAT ABOUT CIVIL, ECONOMIC, IMMIGRATION, MENTAL HEALTH JUSTICE? CIVIL JUSTICE Case Manager was assigned from Safe Horizon. If the client had children with the batterer, she would be referred to lawyers who could help with child custody, support, visitation.

23. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology ECONOMIC JUSTICE Case manager helped to secure affordable housing.Case manager helped to secure affordable housing. “Verizon Hopeline” telephone obtained for client to allow her the ability to contact employers.“Verizon Hopeline” telephone obtained for client to allow her the ability to contact employers. Referral made to self-sufficiency program.Referral made to self-sufficiency program. Client connected to Workforce One (city job placement initiative).Client connected to Workforce One (city job placement initiative). Metropolitan Council helped her to update resume.Metropolitan Council helped her to update resume. Information on obtaining driver’s license provided to enhance job prospects.Information on obtaining driver’s license provided to enhance job prospects.

24. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology MENTAL HEALTH JUSTICE Children’s Center on site. Counseling provided through Sanctuary for Families.

25. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology CRIMINAL JUSTICE Abuser was convicted and sentenced to 90 days in jail.Abuser was convicted and sentenced to 90 days in jail. Parole violation hearing pending for greater sentence.Parole violation hearing pending for greater sentence. Relocation to occur before defendant’s release.Relocation to occur before defendant’s release.

26. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology MEASURING SUCCESS 10,682 clients have visited the FJC on at least one occasion. 2,824 children have used the FJC Children’s Room. 28,372 Client visits. 900-1000 client visits per month. 300 – 400 new clients. KCDA cases increased by 30%.

27. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology An average of 6 services accessed per client.An average of 6 services accessed per client. Volume of witnesses coming to us has increased by over 46%.Volume of witnesses coming to us has increased by over 46%. Family-related Homicides decreased in Brooklyn from 2002-2006 by 30%.Family-related Homicides decreased in Brooklyn from 2002-2006 by 30%. Special immigrant visa certifications have quadrupled.Special immigrant visa certifications have quadrupled. Children receiving on-site counseling one-on-one and groups.Children receiving on-site counseling one-on-one and groups. Certain Partner agencies, i.e., Tamkeen (Middle Eastern victims) have increased clients to FJC.Certain Partner agencies, i.e., Tamkeen (Middle Eastern victims) have increased clients to FJC.

28. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology LESSONS LEARNED FJC is a Laboratory for new collaborations, higher level of expertise among all.FJC is a Laboratory for new collaborations, higher level of expertise among all. Challenges: Confidentiality between Community partners and Government partners.Challenges: Confidentiality between Community partners and Government partners. Communication is key.Communication is key. Cross - Training – Constantly is key.Cross - Training – Constantly is key. Consistent Outreach to Community necessary.Consistent Outreach to Community necessary.

29. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology OTHER FAMILY JUSTICE CENTERS First: San Diego, California U.S.: About 26 all around the United StatesINTERNATIONAL: Canada Mexico England (Croydon) Jordan Bahrain and others

30. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology

31. Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology CONTACT INFORMATION Wanda Lucibello Chief, Special Victims Division Kings County District Attorney’s Office 350 Jay Street, 15 th Floor Brooklyn, New York 11201 Email: lucibell@brooklynda.org Website: www.brooklynda.org www.nyc.gov/domesticviolence Click on Family Justice Center