SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

MARINELLI ANNOUNCES UNANIMOUS APPROVAL OF BE-SAFE GRANT TO COMBAT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

In conjunction with October being known as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Erie County Legislature Chair Lynn M. Marinelli (D-Buffalo, Tonawanda) announced that the Legislature has unanimously approved a two-year federal grant of just more than $1 million to combat domestic violence.

"This project is a fine example of the collaboration that exists among the various county departments that touch the lives of families who have been affected by domestic abuse in the home," Legislator Marinelli said. "Throughout my tenure in public service, I have been involved in the development of policies and strategies regarding the issue of combating family violence, and am glad to see the federal government continue its support of the Family Justice Center (FJC) in Erie County."

The grant will fund a number of important components of the FJC's response to family violence, including:

• An assistant district attorney to both prosecute domestic violence, dating violence and stalking cases, with a focus on rural and suburban courts, and to also serve as a mentor to other prosecutors.
• A confidential criminal investigator, a senior caseworker, a probation officer and probation assistant.
• Two staff members - a program director and a training specialist - at the Family Justice Center, one responsible for Law Enforcement Training and the other to develop training materials and seminars for clergy and lay leaders of faith-based institutions that serve the victims of domestic violence.
• Two advocates at Haven House who will counsel victims, as well as provide court advocacy and other support services to battered and stalked women in the rural and suburban communities of Erie County.
• A bilingual counselor/advocate at Hispanics United of Buffalo and an advocate at the International Institute of Buffalo who will serve immigrant victims in Erie County.

"The Family Justice Center provides this community a comprehensive service model for stopping abuse in the family environment," Legislator Marinelli said. "The FJC offers victims a one-stop location to address all of the complex needs of a family that has lived in an atmosphere of abuse and violence. Everyone affiliated with the Family Justice Center can take pride in the positive difference they are making in the lives of these families."

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