Essex County Family Justice Center (ECFJC) opened its doors for service on May 24th, 2010. Since Essex County records some of the highest rates of domestic violence-related assaults and homicides in the State of New Jersey, it was deemed an important location to launch the first Family Justice Center (FJC) in New Jersey. 

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First implemented in San Diego in 2002, the FJC Model is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women as a best practice in the field of domestic violence intervention and prevention. The documented and published outcomes of the model have included: reduced homicides; increased victim safety; increased autonomy and empowerment for victims; reduced fear and anxiety for victims and their children; increased prosecution of offenders; and increased community support for services to victims and their children. 

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Today there are over 100 operating FJCs across the country and there is increasing progress and momentum to expand the FJC Model around New Jersey.  ECFJC will continue to leverage its experience and influence to assist other communites in implementing the FJC Model in order to better coordinate services to victims of domestic violence.