May, 2009

Family Justice Center

 

Newsletter

Monthly Highlights

Family Justice

Center

9309 N. Florida Ave.

Suite #109

Tampa, Florida

33612

Phone:

813-935-2015

 

Fax: 813-935-2019

E-mail:

info@fjchc.org

Website:

www.fjchc.org

 

Hours of Operation

     Monday - Thursday           8am-8pm

Friday 8am - 5pm

 

The FJC Training Academy is made possible by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.

 

 

“A Gift of Presence" 

Interfaith Chaplaincy

May 19th, 2009

 

5:30pm - 8:00pm

 

 Family Justice Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Gift of Presence is an Interfaith Chaplaincy Program

training for clergy and lay people on the complex issues

of providing spiritual support to victims of domestic

violence.  This training addresses the key faith issues a

domestic violence victim may be facing and teaches clergy how to offer support that focuses on safety and is

victim-centered.  This training also addresses the issue

of providing the Gift of Presence in a non-sectarian,

non-proselytizing fashion.  This class trains clergy to serve

 as Chaplains in the FJC Interfaith Chaplaincy Program,

although anyone of the faith community is

welcome to attend. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information, Please follow the link to the Office of Victims of Crime National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Website.

 

 

 

 

 

On April 27th, 2009 President Barack Obama proclaimed April 26 through May 2, 2009, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. Please follow the link  to see the proclamation.

 

 

 

 

 

   The Associated Press

   Published: March 30, 2009

   Updated: 03/30/2009 06:25 am

 

 

 

 

Report: Florida Domestic Violence Worse Amid Recession

 

*TALLAHASSEE - A new report says domestic violence centers in Florida

saw an almost 40 percent jump in demand last fall, an increase that experts

say is related to the worsening economy.

 

Department of Children & Families Secretary George Sheldon calls the situation "the worst I've seen in years."

 

The Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence says in its report to the Legislature that when perpetrators are laid off, the severity and frequency

of violent assaults increase because the perpetrators are home more often.

 

Experts say victims are also more likely to be trapped if family and friends    are cash-strapped and unable to provide refuge. State leaders have promised that even amid expected budget cuts, domestic violence funding will be protected.

 

* Original Article from the March 30th edition of the Tampa Tribune.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     National News

     March 16th, 2009

 

 

*Washington, D.C. - The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) celebrated a major victory when President Barack Obama signed into law the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The funding package increases support for key programs that help to prevent domestic violence and support victims.

 

"We commend President Obama, Vice President Biden, and the 111th Congress for their steadfast support for programs that help some of America's most vulnerable citizens," said Sue Else, NNEDV president. "We are grateful to have bipartisan partners in the administration and on Capitol Hill who will stand with us in the fight to end domestic violence."

 

The bill includes nearly $70 million in increases for effective programs related to domestic violence, a tremendous accomplishment to help end against domestic violence. The bill includes more than $15 million in increases for the Violence Against Women Act, a $45 million increase for the Victims of Crime Act, and a $5.1 million increase for the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act. Following last year's cuts, the bill restores funding levels to those of previous years.

 

Today's action represents yet another victory for victims of domestic violence in recent weeks. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides a much-needed $325 million investment to promote job growth and economic development in and around desperately-needed domestic violence services. The investments are especially important during this economic downturn, as domestic violence services are in greater demand in harsh financial circumstances.

 

"Even during difficult economic times, the new administration and a majority of lawmakers know how important it is to invest in domestic violence services, support law enforcement personnel, and stand up for victims of domestic abuse," Else said.

The Appropriations Subcommittees on Commerce, Justice, Science and Labor, Health, and Human Services once again heard the vital needs of domestic violence survivors and acted in their best interests.

 

On the heels of these victories, NNEDV is continuing to push for the reauthorization of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), the vital lifeblood for domestic violence shelters, crisis hotlines, and other services. The act expired last year and, despite the recent funding increases, it remains significantly under-funded. NNEDV and its allies are urging lawmakers to reauthorize and fully fund FVPSA this year.

 

"We are off to an amazing start, and we cannot allow ourselves to slow down now," Else said. "Let us build on the momentum of these early victories and urge Congress to reauthorize and fully fund the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act. The future of life-saving domestic violence programs depends on it."

 

 

For more information on the NNEDV or to visit their website,

please follow the Link.

 

 

 

* Original Article Taken from the NNEDV website.