Essex County Family Justice Center Open House Wednesday

The Essex County Family Justice Center will hold an open house tomorrow from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at its new location at 89 Market St. in Newark, officials from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office said Tuesday. 

The center, which provides assistance to victims of domestic violence, is a partnership between multiple county agencies. 

During the first 16 months of operation, the center helped 1,336 victims of domestic violence who made  2,333 visits to the center. 

The program is designed to prevent victims of domestic violence from having to go from place to place and repeatedly telling their stories of abuse and violence. 

This model is recognized as a best practice in the field of domestic violence intervention and prevention by the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence against women. 

In 2010 the center opened and was the first and only one in the state of New Jersey. It provided a limited range of services in temporary space allocated by Family Court and the Essex County's Prosecutor's Office. 

Attorney General Paula T. Dow and Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray will be among those attending the opening. 

The grand opening tomorrow will acknowledge the extraordinary support and collaboration of the many individuals and organizations that have helped the Family Justice Center meet its mission – to enhance the safety and autonomy of domestic violence victims and their children by providing accessible and coordinated services in one location.