Mayor William Bell, Jefferson County District Attorney Brandon Falls and the Birmingham Police Department Push for Family Justice Center
Media Advisory
Contact:
April Odom
Mayor William Bell, Jefferson County District Attorney Brandon Falls and the Birmingham Police Department Push for Family Justice Center
May 12, 2016- Today at 2:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, Mayor William Bell, District Attorney Brandon Falls and the Birmingham Police Department administration will go before the Zoning Board of Adjustments to advocate for the establishment of a Family Justice Center in Birmingham.
The Family Justice Center will provide criminal justice, civil legal, and social services all in one location for victims of domestic violence. Victims would be able to meet with a prosecutor, speak with a trained counselor, and apply for housing and financial assistance in just one place. Children would be able to play in a children’s room while their parents receive services.
Services would be free and available to all victims. The Center location is proposed for 1135 14th Avenue South.
“Today, a mother of eight children lost her life to domestic violence and four of her eight children we also injured. This is unacceptable. District Attorney Falls, Chief Roper and I spoke and asked for a status update on this project. When we found out the project would be reviewed today, we knew we had to be there to voice our support and to see that the project moves forward quickly. Victims need a place where they can safely go and seek help. This center will offer that help,” said Mayor William Bell.
The Center will also be sponsored by the Junior League of Birmingham and the YMCA.
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