Ventura County Family Justice Center
Who is affected?
Trends in FJCs
Violence and abuse can affect anyone, anytime. However, statistics on visits to family justice centers (FJCs) reveal some common vulnerabilities. Not only do national statistics show that 49% of domestic violence victims are pregnant at the time of abuse, but a legislative study of four California FJCs also found that of those who used the participating centers …
more children
income under 35K
age of 31
ages 31 and 40
The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences
The trauma a person experiences as a child can have a deep and lasting impact on them as an adult. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can actually physically change the brain structure and chemistry, and they have been linked to increased risk of intimate partner violence and sexual violence, chronic health issues, obesity, alcoholism, drug abuse, risky sexual behaviors, impaired social functioning, shorter lifespans and beyond. ACEs include:
- Abuse (physical, emotional or sexual)
- Neglect (physical or emotional)
- Domestic violence in the home
- Parents who are separated or divorced
- Living with someone who abuses drugs and/or alcohol
- Living with someone who is mentally ill, depressed or suicidal
- Having a household member incarcerated
When cases get to our courtroom, we generally see unwillingness of victims to participate. We know they are frustrated with the system. Our frustration is we see the same families repeatedly and it’s heartbreaking. If the community could all come together at a Family Justice Center, we could save time and greatly reduce the number of continuances in court.