THE PROBLEM:

• Currently, victims of violent crime are required to travel to several different locations to receive full services.  This is not only unsafe and inconvenient, but rarely are victims in a state of mind to follow through with such a broken, incomprehensive plan.
   
• Although we do have several agencies that are able to serve victims of violence, not all agencies are aware of each other or the services provided; therefore, victims may not be referred to resources that are actually available to them.
   
• Whereas our community does offer several programs to assist victims, there are still gaps in these services and not all needs are being met.
   
• Services currently available to victims of violence are not easily accessible to everyone.  Currently, the best way to get connected to services is by contacting the police, but many women are not ready to involve the police so they are left on their own accord to locate resources. 
   
• There is a lack of education/awareness regarding violent crime victimization as well as the resources available to assist crime victims.  This lack of understanding can actually re-victimize victims due to attitudes and faulty thinking, as well as discourage the pursuit of helpful services.
   
• Violent crime victimization has a definite negative impact on an entire community –at home, at school, at church, and in the workplace.
   

  THE SOLUTION:

• Bring current services together under roof to create a “one-stop” full service facility.
   
• Collaboration will ensure that current agencies that serve victims of violence are aware of each other, hence providing a stronger referral list given to victims.
   
• After collaborating with other agencies, we will be able to identify gaps in services, then develop programs to better meet the needs of victims of violence.
   
• Through public awareness efforts and collaborating with organizations/busi-nesses throughout the community, victims will be better informed about where to receive help.  We will also offer “intake sites” (i.e. doctor’s offices) where victims can go to connect with services, whereas they may feel uncomfortable walking into a victim service facility.
   
• Create awareness/education and prevention programs that will be offered throughout the community, including schools, churches, social organizations, etc.
   
• Encourage strong community involvement to help reduce the negative impact of violent crime victimization through financial and time/service support. 
   

A CALL TO
ACTION

The Center concept offers the domestic violence movement the greatest opportunity for true collaboration ever attempted in the effort to stop family violence.

• In family violence situations, we are sending ambulances to the bottom of the cliff instead of building a fence at the top of the cliff.  We are waiting too long to help hurting families, waiting too long to help children growing up in violent and abusive homes.  We must get involved earlier and with more coordinated resources.  The Center vision is really about building fences.  The vision is to get the offender involved with accountability and consequences as early as possible.
   
• While not intended to replace or compete with existing, independent nonprofit social service organizations in a community, the Center offers the opportunity to provide effective, efficient services to victims and their children using staff from existing government and community-based organizations.  The philosophical basis for the movement includes a commitment to accountability for offenders, prevention initiatives, comprehensive intervention services, and long-term healing and restoration for hurting and violent families across America.
   

• Vision for a one-stop center: “A future where ALL the needs of victims are met, where children are protected, where violence fades, where economic justice increases, where families heal and thrive, where hope is realized, and where we ALL work together.”  

Contact Information