Oxnard, Calif. – On Monday, January 23, Congresswoman Julia Brownley presented a check for $640,000 to the County of Ventura to expand crime victim services and resources in Oxnard and Port Hueneme. The money will help with the expansion of the Ventura County Family Justice Center, a program administered by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, at a new location in Oxnard.
“This money will help to provide funds for bilingual victim advocates, help children who have been victims of domestic violence by funding youth programs, and it will provide onsite civil legal services at the Oxnard Family Justice Center,” said Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Congresswoman Brownly has been a steadfast champion of public safety and crime victims. We thank her for continuing to standup for Ventura County’s most vulnerable.”
The Family Justice Center is a community support system that uses a holistic approach to uplift and empower victims and their families. The Ventura County Family Justice Center offers a comprehensive selection of services to Ventura County residents seeking a safe environment to recover, heal, and break the cycle of violence.
“The new Family Justice Center in Oxnard will provide underserved families of the 5th District a safe and welcoming space where they can comfortably communicate with public safety and receive support services that will improve their lives,” said Supervisor Vianey Lopez. “I am thankful to Congresswoman Julia Brownley for her advocacy on behalf of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and elder abuse in securing the federal funding that will help open this new facility.”
This project is a critical investment in the Ventura County Family Justice Center’s dedicated efforts to reach and help Oxnard and Port Hueneme families who have faced trauma and abuse.
“Survivors of violence who come to the Ventura County Family Justice Center are given the space and resources to cope,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. “The work the center does has had a positive, lasting impact on those who put their trust in our county’s ability to help them and their families. It is, therefore, of paramount importance that all families throughout Ventura County have access to the services and resources of the center. That is why, in strong partnership with District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and the County of Ventura, I was proud to secure federal funding for the expansion of the center’s services to the cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme. My hope is that the services being brought to the area will provide a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment for victims of violence to heal.”
The Oxnard Family Justice Center will be an important resource to improve access to justice for underserved victims with wraparound services under one roof. The project is a collaboration between the City of Oxnard, the County of Ventura, and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
“We are grateful to Congresswoman Brownley for her ongoing support of the residents in our county and critical services such as those provided by the Family Justice Center,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer. “We are thrilled to receive this funding that will allow the expansion of the Family Justice Center into the city of Oxnard and increase access to these supportive programs that empower and help families heal.”
More information about the work being done by the Ventura County Family Justice Center can be found at www.vcfjc.org.
