Domestic violence plagues our country with staggering statistics. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced severe physical violence sometime in their lifetime.
Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate – it seeps its way into all ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion and socio-economic levels. No matter how small or large the community, there will inevitably be family violence hidden within the framework.
We at the Nampa Family Justice Center work to bring light to this issue by providing victim support, education and life-skill training to those in our immediate and surrounding areas.
We work with victims of domestic violence in safety, planning and education, providing counseling and case management to help these victims and their children navigate an extremely difficult situation.
We help victims of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, child abuse, elder abuse and stalking. What makes the Family Justice Center unique is that several agencies are located in-house and all services are free. This makes it easier for victims to get the help they need.
When a client in need arrives to the Family Justice Center, they are taken to a private room where a caring advocate will ask them questions, helping discern the help they need. Nampa Police, legal aid, the Canyon County prosecutor, child protective services and St. Luke’s Cares are all found under one roof.
We are advocates as well. We have court advocates that will accompany the client to court hearings, ensuring they are not alone. We are also a child advocate center.
It can take a victim up to seven attempts before they actually leave an abusive situation. Of the many reasons victims go back, first and foremost is the lack of money or resources. We help our clients with essentials to put them back on their feet, giving our clients hygiene products, diapers, clothing, vouchers and gas cards.
In a world where there is so much darkness and pain, we offer a safe place. We give hope.