It Takes
HELP IS OUT THERE FOR: YOUTH page 4 ADULTS page 5 SENIORS page 6
One visit to the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center connects victims of domestic violence with the myriad of resources they need to heal and thrive.
A Special Advertising Supplement | Funding made possible through the United States Department of Justice, Victims of Crime Act, 2015-VA-GX0058
Offering Hope to the
How one team studying violence led to a solution: the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center BY RODNEY OROSCO
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he goal of the Sacramento Domestic Violence Death Review Team (DVDRT) is clear: Use the details of disturbing cases in the area to create new policies that can protect citizens. “The team looks at ways we can prevent domestic violence homicides,” says Sacramento County Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney Paul Durenberger. DVDRT began their work in 1998 and reached a major conclusion early on: The Sacramento community needed help to prevent domestic violence. Durenberger notes the name of the team may seem a bit morbid but the gravity of their work keeps them focused on how they can better serve victims — often times, resulting in very positive and tangible change. The team found Sacramento’s justice system was hard to navigate, especially for the vulnerable victims of domestic violence. Thus, the people who most needed help felt the most isolated from services they desperately needed. But there was an answer. “One recent recommendation our team made to the Board of Supervisors was to create a Family Justice Center,” Durenberger says. “Our research showed that cities and counties with Justice Centers had reduced domestic violence homicides.” DVDRT advocated to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors that a Family Justice Center be brought to the region. Based on the team’s research, the Board agreed and acted. Since its founding, the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center (SRFJC) has significantly impacted the area — helping thousands of people safely navigate instances of abuse without them escalating into fatal outcomes.
Sacramento Region
“The team is really about the power of collaboration.” Paul Durenberger Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney, Sacramento County
But the team’s work is far from over. Currently, DVDRT includes members from the Kaiser, My Sister’s House, Sutter Medical Center, UC Davis Medical Center, Women Escaping a Violent Environment (WEAVE) and SRFJC, alongside various other county law enforcement agencies. Together, these members continue to pour over cases collected from throughout the county and strategize what can be done to prevent similar cases in the future. “The team is really about the power of collaboration,” says Durenberger. “We need that different perspective each team member brings.” One of the team’s most recent findings inspired the SRFJC to offer free safety planning to victims applying for restraining orders at the family courthouse. DVDRT found that one of the most lethal times for victims is when they file a restraining order. Now, instead of being handed a 50-page document and sent on their way, SRFJC attorneys can assist with preparing temporary restraining order petitions, and case managers will help victims develop a safety plan during a sensitive and important time leading to their new life. Though Durenberger states the team would prefer it didn’t need to exist, as long as it does, it’s going to try to make a difference.
2 | It Takes All Of Us | Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center | A Special Advertising Supplement
WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE? Domestic violence is a pattern of abuse used by one partner in a relationship to gain or maintain power and control over another partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional or psychological. It can involve actions or threats of actions. Domestic violence can happen anywhere and to anyone. It can occur in any type of intimate relationship — between family, friends or lovers of any race, age or gender. Another phrase for it is “intimate partner violence.” Domestic violence does not need to be physical to be destructive. Psychological abuse can be just as devastating to the victim. Psychological abuse is often a secondary result suffered by children in families experiencing abuse. Often, the aggressor in these relationships feels a high level of ownership over their victims. If the abused tries to end the relationship or protect themselves, all too often the situation can end in injury or death because the victim tries to navigate things on their own. In Sacramento, help is within reach! Keep reading to learn how the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center helps victims become survivors.
Faith Whitmore and her team put victim comfort and safety first and foremost at the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center. That team also includes, Buddy, a specially trained comfort dog.
Deserves to Heal
PHOTO BY MELISSA UROFF
Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center and its partners work together to keep the region safe BY COREY RODDA
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ore than 3,800 victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and child and elder abuse have walked through the doors of the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center (SRFJC) since its founding in 2016 — and all have received help instrumental to their healing. Part of a national model designed to inspire collaboration between organizations who help victims, SRFJC brings together nonprofits, law enforcement, the justice system, social workers and public services to save lives in the Sacramento region. Through these interwoven services, victims are able to cut through logistical red tape and instantly receive the help they need during a stressful and disorganized time in their lives. “What is great about a Family Justice Center is that it allows nonprofits to be in collaboration rather than competition, and ensures that victims are able to access every avenue of help,” says CEO of SRFJC Faith Whitmore. Each person who walks into SRFJC is connected with a caseworker who assesses the exact areas where they need assistance. This assistance is easily received due to SRFJC’s new facility, which also houses its partners — allowing victims access to multiple resources and services all at one time. “People don’t come in here with just one issue,” Whitmore says. “They often experience many types of victimization: their children may be traumatized by their abuse, they might have a medical issue. So being in a setting of collaboration allows us to deal with multifaceted crises.” SRFJC’s new home is strategically located across from the William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse on Power Inn Road. Onsite, SRFJC has offices for the Special Assault Forensic Evaluation Center, which works through Child Protective Services to interview children who have been abused or witnessed abuse. The facility also has space for domestic violence
“People don’t come in here with just one issue. ... So being in a setting of collaboration allows us to deal with multifaceted crises.” Faith Whitmore CEO, Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center
detectives from the Sacramento City Police and Sacramento County Sheriff’s departments, as well as a victim advocate from the District Attorney’s Office. Women Escaping a Violent Environment (WEAVE) and My Sister’s House are the newest members to join together under SRFJC’s roof, with space for more community members as well. Adorned with soothing art, several fountains and comfortable furniture, SRFJC gives victims a safe space while they put together the pieces of their lives. Children have their own space to play, be distracted and just be kids during a time when innocence can be lost. SRFJC is also home to the team’s four-legged staff member, Buddy. His job is to give visitors strength during an emotional time. “Buddy is a year-and-a-half labradoodle, paid for by a grant through the Office of Emergency Services,” Whitmore says. “He wanders around the center and greets people. He can often tell who is the most anxious and will spend time with them. He is a calming factor.” Putting the safety of victims first can have a big impact on the wellness of a community. In Sacramento, there are approximately 40 organizations positioned to keep victims safe through the collaborative model of SRFJC.
THE IMPACT OF COLLABORATION Family Justice Centers are a proven method to not only help the victims of domestic violence, but to prevent abuse from escalating into fatalities. This impact can be felt in surrounding areas in a variety of ways: Access According to national estimates, a victim may have to access as many as 32 different agencies for help, repeating their traumatic story each time. Family Justice Centers bring public and private agencies under one roof to offer wraparound care, getting victims the help they need faster. Emotional health Children who are exposed to the trauma of domestic violence can suffer long-term consequences that cause them to act aggressively, struggle with friendships, perform poorly in school and be severely impacted by anxiety and depression. Family Justice Centers assess the emotional well-being of entire families — not just victims — and offer referrals for productive methods of healing, such as counseling and art therapy. Hope Domestic and sexual violence victims are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, social isolation and addiction — making them more prone to suicide than the general population. But an assessment funded by Blue Shield of California Foundation revealed that Family Justice Centers increase the hope and wellbeing of victims, turning them into survivors. After working with a Family Justice Center, victims feel more satisfied with their lives and experience more positive emotions.
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The Road
Children who visit the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center receive help from experienced social workers, like Dawn Morris, in a calm and kid-friendly environment. PHOTO BY MELISSA UROFF
Youth-oriented programs help children regain control of their futures BY COREY RODDA
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by the Mobile Trauma Therapy Team obtain help at various teenage girl covered in bruises and wearing only area nonprofits, including A City of Refuge, Bridge Network, a T-shirt and shorts arrived at the Sacramento Community Against Sexual Harm (CASH), My Sister’s Regional Family Justice Center (SRFJC). Kayla* House, Chicks in Crisis and Women Escaping a Violent was accompanied by a police detective who hoped she could Environment (WEAVE). escape human trafficking to reconstruct the life she’d led “Therapy is expensive, and some of these organizations before she was trafficked across state lines into California. and the individuals who are trafficked could never afford to Thanks to the Center’s unique collaborations with public hire a therapist,” Whitmore says. “Dignity offers a great gift and private organizations, she was able to escape her abuser. to the community through this grant for the mobile team.” “If the Family Justice Center wasn’t here, I don’t While Kayla was going through therapy, law know what she would have done — she was so enforcement arrested her former pimp, who vulnerable,” SRFJC CEO Faith Whitmore was tried in criminal court. Throughout recalls. the process of healing, she rekindled The teen was immediately referred her relationship with her family and to Dr. Ron Chambers’ Human returned home to live with them. Trafficking Clinic at Dignity Six months later, Kayla Health’s Mercy Family Health returned to Sacramento for the Center at its Methodist Hospital in trial. The teen, who had gained South Sacramento, where staffers healthy weight and recovered from are specially trained to meet the her wounds, was greeted by an emotional and medical needs of Dawn Morris Social worker, Sacramento Regional SRFJC social worker, who remained trafficking victims. Family Justice Center by her side during her tormentor’s After Kayla received medical care, trial. SRFJC arranged for her to stay at a safe “A lot of people don’t know that you shelter in an undisclosed location where can have a support person in court where an she could undergo some much needed rest and attorney would traditionally sit,” says SRFJC social healing. When she was ready, Kayla was also connected worker Dawn Morris. “It is grounding and helpful for our to the Bridge Network to receive counseling through clients to have one of our staff members be with them, SRFJC’s Mobile Trauma Therapy Team, a team funded by especially when they are [nervous or] frightened by their Dignity Health. These steps were crucial as trust and strong abuser’s presence.” therapeutic relationships are vital to ensuring that human Kayla’s abuser was found guilty and incarcerated. His trafficking victims don’t return to their abusers. victim returned home a survivor, ready to start life anew. Kayla, like other victims of human trafficking, received help to work through her trauma with art therapy in addition *Name changed to protect privacy. to individual and group counseling. Victims who are assisted
“It is grounding and helpful for our clients to have one of our staff members be with them.”
4 | It Takes All Of Us | Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center | A Special Advertising Supplement
HELPING YOUTH These partners help the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center (SRFJC) provide care and healing to youth in need: • • • • • •
• • • • • • •
Birth & Beyond Family Resource Centers Bridge Network Camp HOPE America Chicks in Crisis City of Refuge City Police Departments of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Rancho Cordova and Sacramento The Child Abuse Prevention Center Community Against Sexual Harm (CASH) Sacramento County Department of Child Protective Services Sacramento County Department of Child Support Services Sacramento County District Attorney Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department The Special Assault Forensic Evaluation (SAFE) Center ... and many more!
Contact SRFJC to learn about even more resources and services available to area children and teens.
Comes First How the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center keeps families safe and away from abuse
Case managers like Marine Kalashyan assess each person who comes into the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center and stay with them for strength and help as long as they need.
BY COREY RODDA
PHOTO BY MELISSA UROFF
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shelter program where they were kept safe from harm. 12-year-old boy alerted police that his father However, safety is more than just a place to stay. would kill his mother if they didn’t come quickly. SRFJC also created the family a safety plan to keep them Though his parents had been together for 13 safe from further abuse. Kalashyan also educated Mia years, his father was becoming more abusive as his on the cycle of abuse, which empowered her to speak to drinking and drug use spiraled out of control. When law family members about her abuse, and prepared her for her enforcement and Child Protective Services (CPS) arrived, court date. they encouraged his mother, Mia*, to contact SRFJC for When Mia went to her court hearing, she further help and resources. was not alone — Kalashyan was right “It was physical abuse as well as there by her side, providing support. years of power and control,” says “We are there for extra Marine Kalashyan, case manager at protection and to help shield Sacramento Regional Family Justice them from their perpetrator,” Center (SRFJC). “The [mother] was Kalashyan said. “Stakes are essentially imprisoned in her own high, and we often have to home. She was only allowed to leave remind them to breathe.” to drop off the kids at school and pick Marine Kalashyan Mia won a permanent them up.” Case manager, Sacramento restraining order and was Late in the afternoon before the Regional Family Justice able to find an apartment onset of a three-day weekend, Mia and Center through Sacramento Housing and her children arrived at SRFJC in crisis and Redevelopment Agency with the help of with nowhere to go. SRFJC sprang into action. WEAVE, further stabilizing her freedom. SRFJC contacted its partners at Women Currently, Mia is working part-time while her Escaping a Violent Environment (WEAVE), which children are in school. provided safe shelter for Mia and her two children over “All is well with them,” says Kalashyan, who credits the long weekend. SRFJC’s many collaborations with keeping the family Kalashyan herself transported the family to WEAVE, safe. and picked them back up the following Tuesday when courts reopened after the holiday — so Mia could file a *Name changed to protect privacy. restraining order petition. This legal work was easily done at SRFJC, where an onsite attorney provided assistance. While the family waited for their court date, Mia and her two children were able to stay in WEAVE’s transitional
“We are there for extra protection.”
HELPING ADULTS AND FAMILIES These partners help Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center (SRFJC) to provide care and healing to adults and families in need: • City Police Departments of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Rancho Cordova and Sacramento • Community Against Sexual Harm (CASH) • ManAlive-Sacramento Inc. • My Sister’s House • NorCal Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing • Sacramento County District Attorney • Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department • WEAVE • ...and many more! Contact SRFJC to learn about even more resources and services available to area adults and families.
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Giving Victims
Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center case managers like Carlos Romero know the first step to helping someone is to listen to their needs. PHOTO BY MELISSA UROFF
Elderly victims of abuse can turn to Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center for help BY RODNEY OROSCO
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between Mr. Adams and his daughter, who lived out of hen Mr. Adams* first shuffled into the state and was previously unaware of the abuse her father Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center was suffering. With his daughter’s help, Mr. Adams (SRFJC), he was covered in spaghetti sauce was able to take his life and home back. Throughout the — the result of the latest in a long string of violent entire process, he was never alone. outbursts by his alcoholic son who had been living with While sharing Mr. Adams’s story, Romero pauses him. several times. Although he has been a case manager at “He was afraid to go home,” explains Carlos SRFJC since its inception in 2016, he still finds elder Romero, SRFJC case manager. “He was not sure his son abuse hard to fathom. was still there. He was so afraid.” “What we see is elderly people often let people Mr. Adams, an older man, had been referred come into their homes because the elderly are to SRFJC by Elk Grove Police, as a so lonely and just want company,” he says. result of the collaboration SRFJC has Unfortunately, this opens the door for developed with law enforcement abusers to take advantage of the elderly, and social services agencies physically or financially. throughout the Sacramento “The crazy thing,” Romero says, region. These local agencies “is it is often the elderly person’s know that victims of domestic family doing the abusing.” violence, including elder abuse, Carlos Romero Each case and person is different, will find the appropriate services Case manager, Sacramento but SRFJC responds to whatever their and resources at SRFJC. Regional Family Justice need may be. SRFJC puts the elderly in Romero listened to Mr. Center touch with the appropriate care provider, Adams’s story and put a plan into providing something SRFJC calls wraparound place. SRFJC attorneys were able to file care. Victims may need counseling services, a safe a temporary restraining order petition that same space to stay, transportation or free legal assistance. afternoon because Mr. Adams was afraid for his safety. “We sit down and listen to them,” Romero says, Mr. Adams was safely transported to a senior safe house noting that sometimes these small acts are the most run by Volunteers of America, where he received new important of all. clothes and was met by a member of Adult Protective As for Mr. Adams? Services (APS). The following day, Mr. Adams — “Mr. Adams is doing well. He sent us a Christmas accompanied by Romero — received a restraining order card last year,” he says. against his son in court. Once it was determined his son had left, Mr. Adams was let back into his home with *Name changed to protect privacy. APS by his side. SRFJC also facilitated communication
“We sit down and listen.”
6 | It Takes All Of Us | Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center | A Special Advertising Supplement
HELPING SENIORS These partners help Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center (SRFJC) provide care and healing to seniors in need: • City Police Departments of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Rancho Cordova and Sacramento • Legal Services of Northern California • Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services Adult Protective Services (APS) • Sacramento County District Attorney • Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department • Volunteers of America/Sacramento Senior Safe House ... and many more! Contact SRFJC to learn about even more resources and services available to area seniors.
The Power of
Between Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center and its partners BY RODNEY OROSCO
Safety Planning An individualized safety plan created specifically for each client based on their situation and needs. For example, helping victims gather important documents like birth certificates and medical records when planning to leave their abuser.
Mobile Civil Legal Team Travels to victims to provide emergency legal services at shelters, hospitals, partner agencies and other safe places.
Mobile Trauma Therapy Team Provides group, individual and art therapy for human trafficking survivors at multiple locations throughout the county.
SRFJC can help
Camp HOPE America Summer camp and mentoring initiative that lets kids just be kids for a week of swimming, s’mores and smiles.
VOICES Committee of domestic violence survivors and sexual abuse survivors who provide support through advocacy, education and empowerment.
Advocacy Through Safe Shelters, Victims of Crime fund, Law Enforcement, child and adult protective services, and more.
Restraining Order Petitions Free legal assistance to file restraining orders, no appointment necessary. Gives victims access to individualized assistance, and same or next day responses from the court.
Counseling Services Focuses on healing through crisis intervention, case management, and individual and group counseling.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Donating time, money and resources to the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center (SRFJC) directly impacts and improves the lives of survivors. “Volunteers and donors are a huge part of who we are as an organization,” says SRFJC Director of Client Services Joyce Bilyeu. For instance, in addition to its own legal team, other attorneys in the community volunteer their time in SRFJC’s legal clinic. SRFJC is in the process of developing a Hope Givers volunteer team to help with fundraisers, provide hospitality services in its Center and participate in Community Advisory Teams. In addition, volunteers also get to support Buddy. Buddy is SRFJC’s specially trained comfort labradoodle. He found his new home snuggling next to victims and giving them the strength to tell their stories thanks to donations from the community and funding from the Office of Emergency Services. “Money goes to help pay for transportation for victims and comfort items for our victims, for example,” Bilyeu says. “And, money goes to get kids to our Camp HOPE America summer camp.” For instance, this year, 24 kids traveled to Camp HOPE America and had a fantastic time. One child was overheard telling another, “my childhood began when I turned seven, because that’s the year I first went to Camp HOPE America.” Respite from their chaotic worlds at home would not have been possible without generous donations by SRFJC’s supporters. “Our donors and our volunteers make a difference,” says Bilyeu. To volunteer or become a donor call Joyce Bilyeu at 916-875-4673. Or visit the SRFJC website at www.hopethriveshere.org
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Thrives
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he Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center (SRFJC) offers a safe, healing environment for victims of domestic violence, child and elder abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking. Through the help of its partners in law enforcement, legal assistance and the community, SRFJC offers a “one-stop” center of comprehensive services for the Sacramento region. Whether at its main office or through one of its mobile services, SRFJC offers clients a place to start the healing process through counseling, protective measures or just someone who can listen.
WHERE TO TURN SACRAMENTO REGIONAL FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER 3701 Power Inn Road, Suite 3100 Sacramento, CA 95826 916-875-HOPE (4673) www.hopethriveshere.org Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention • 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline: 916-875-KIDS(5437) • 24-hour Parent Support Line: 888-281-3000 • Wind Youth Services (Housing): 800-339-7177 • Safely Surrendered Baby 24-Hour Information Line: 877-222-9723 Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Human Trafficking Services National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 (SAFE) • Bridge Network 916-244-1406 • CASH 916-856-2900 • Chicks in Crisis: 916-683-5537 • City of Refuge: 916- 970-5164
P U B L I C AT I O N S
• My Sister’s House 24-Hour Multilingual Helpline: 916-428-3271
Suicide Prevention National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
• WEAVE (Support & Information Line): 916-920-2952
• Sacramento Suicide Prevention Crisis Line: 916-368-3111
Elder Abuse • Adult Protective Services 24-Hour Hotline: 916-874-9377
Law Enforcement
Mental Health Veteran’s Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 • Sacramento Mental Health Crisis 24-hour Line: 916-732-3637 Shelter Services Volunteers of America 24-Hour Crisis Line: 800-584-3578 • A Community for Peace: 916-728-7210 • My Sister’s House 24-Hour Multilingual Helpline: 916-428-3271 • WEAVE (Support & Information Line): 916-920-2952
• Citrus Heights Police Department: 916-727-5500 • Elk Grove Police Department: 916-714-5115 • Folsom Police Department: 916-355-7231 • Rancho Cordova Police Department: 916-362-5115 • Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department: 911 or 916-874-5115 • Sacramento City Police: 911 or 916-264-5471 • Sacramento City Police Department(non-emergency): 916-264-5471 • Sacramento Fire Department/ Ambulance: 911 or 916-808-1300
BREAK THE CYCLE If you suspect that someone you know is being abused, speak up! Expressing your concern or reaching out for help may save their life.
WHERE TO START • Talk to the person in private. Point out the things you’ve noticed and that worry you. • Listen without judgment. • Let the person know you will help in any way you can. • Believe the victim. Because domestic violence is more about control than anger, often the victim is the only one who sees the dark side of the perpetrator. • Reassure the person that you’ll keep whatever is said confidential, unless they give you permission to help seek services. • Help form a safety plan — contact the SRFJC for help with this! • Never verbally bash the abuser. Focus on behavior not personality. • Never blame the victim. • Call 911 if you know violence • is happening. • Contact the SRFJC for assistance and guidance.
Produced for Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center by N&R Publications, www.nrpubs.com | Funding made possible through the United States Department of Justice, Victims of Crime Act, 2015-VA-GX0058