Ventura County Family Justice Center

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 …

98%
were women
97%
had two or
more children
86%
had a household
income under 35K
59%
were unmarried
55%
were under the
age of 31
38%
were between
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

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