Domestic Violence is a problem of epidemic proportions in our communities. Almost one in three American women say that they have been physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives. Every single day, hundreds of victims of domestic violence turn to the courts for protection. Great strides have been made in the recent past to strengthen laws and educate the courts regarding effective ways to address family/domestic violence. However, there is still much work to be done.

In many cases, when a family violence victim calls 911, they typically dial into a complex community system that often resolves cases based on institutional imperatives, rather than victim safety. This reflects an historical and institutional tolerance of abuse rather than the attitudes of individual practitioners or organizations. The Family Center’s Family Domestic Violence Intervention Program places victim safety as its top priority. Additionally, we firmly believe in abuser accountability to the victim and society at large.

Inspired by Boston's EMERGE model, The Family Center’s Family Domestic Violence Intervention has blended to make a stronger program.  Coordinating services with the shelter programs has insured that all parties are treated in a safe fashion.  In addition to the 26 weeks program for the abuser, we have developed a monitored Supervised Visitation program which has made our program innovative and more effective in the process of caring for the family.