In a boost for the fight against domestic violence, Ventura County Family Justice Center is cashing a hefty $1.66 million federal check, aimed to give victims of abuse a safe haven. Congressman Salud Carbajal and Congresswoman Julia Brownley landed the grant, part of a deeper pocket in the federal budget, now set to amplify the existing framework of support with additional shelter beds for those in crisis.
Coming to the table on May 20, 2024, District Attorney Erik Nasarenko extolled the efforts made by the legislators, ensconced in congressional support, saying, "We are very fortunate in Ventura County to have outstanding support from our Congressional representatives," in a statement obtained by the District Attorney's Office website. Carbajal and Brownley's hands-delivered funds will throw open the doors wider, inviting up to 18 new beds to the center, a critical shelter where Ventura's current outfit of 24 emergency beds has been the only lifeline for the community.
The new windfall, part of President Biden's law inked this past March, will serve as a cornerstone for the Emergency Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Housing project soon to open its arms. Brownley, not resting on her laurels, previously secured $640,000 this January, a seed that will sprout a second FJC location in Oxnard—named the Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center—which is poised to part its curtains this summer for the public in need, according to the official press release.
Painting a grim but hopeful picture, Carbajal recognized the Family Justice Center as an ark for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence, "The funding I helped secure in this year’s federal budget will help them expand their capacity to help Ventura County survivors," he informed the audience gathered in his honor, captured in the District Attorney's Office announcement. Brownley echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the collective triumph: "It was through collaboration and strong partnerships that Congressman Carbajal successfully carried this project through the appropriations process in Congress and secured federal funding for the expansion of the center’s services."
In chorus with the political leadership, Dr. Caroline Prijatel-Sutton of the Coalition for Family Harmony, underlined the impact of the funds, praising the securement of the new lodgings for survivors, "Safe housing is one of the most immediate needs of a survivor so having more beds in the county for the purpose of leaving abusive homes and beginning the healing process is vital for the safety and well-being of individuals and families," as reported by the press release. The joint effort, it seems, will knead the foundation for recovery and hope in Ventura County, as those torn by violence and trauma seek a path to safety and healing.
