By: WHAM Staff
Monroe County’s first Family Justice Center is one step closer to reality.
More than $4 million in state funding will allow the Willow Domestic Violence Center and Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester to bring services for survivors of trauma and abuse together under one roof.
“This first-ever family justice center will offer local families a co-located, multi-disciplinary response to family violence, where children and adults can receive immediate screening, assessment and services in the same place at the same time,” State Sen. Samra Brouk explained.
The center is being built at Skyview on the Ridge, a community center in Irondequoit. It’s central location and proximity to a public transit hub is expected to make it easier for people struggling with domestic violence or abuse to get the help they need.
“When victims have barriers to seeking supports, like transportation, opening hours, child care, they don’t feel like they are empowered to advocate for themselves in the court,” Assemblymember Jen Lunsford said.
Meaghan de Chateauvieux, Willow’s president and CEO, said this project is the result of two years of planning and collaboration.
“We are building it based on real-time, real-world feedback and direction from survivors,” she explained. “We cannot wait another moment. There are lives at stake.”
The center will provide a safe haven and help to disrupt cycles of violence locally.
“We know the tragedy of it. To think you casually have the news on at night, and your children are hearing something that is so traumatic and so unthinkable, unspeakable. That’s what we have right now,” Assemblymember Sarah Clark said. “Our true step to healing and allowing survivors to thrive is this family justice center.”
The new facility, which is set to open in fall 2025, will include security, medical exam rooms and trauma-sensitive shared spaces focused on safety and healing.