The District Attorney’s Office led the charge to open a Family Justice Center in the First Judicial District, which serves Jefferson and Gilpin counties. More than 75 partner agencies work together to provide coordinated services for victims of violence. Violence can include intimate partner physical abuse, emotional abuse, harassment, threats, strangulation, murder, elder abuse, abuse and neglect of at-risk individuals, human trafficking, and child abuse.
Located at 11100 W. 8th Avenue, Suite 200 Lakewood, CO 80215
Challenges Faced by Victims
One of the greatest challenges faced by victims in the aftermath of crime is trying to find a new state of normal. They are often overwhelmed and confused. While many services are currently available for victims in our community, access to those services may require traveling to different offices or searching many websites. Victims may need to travel to multiples places to find the services they need. Issues with child care and transportation to these appointments may result in victims making a decision not to seek out the help they need. Often victims return to their abusers for financial support, housing, and child care.
“The Family Justice Center makes it easier for victims to seek help, reduces the number of times a victim has to tell their story and improves the accessibility of services and resources,” said Family Justice Center Executive Director Candace Cooledge.
The Family Justice Center is the gateway to a network of services designed to reduce family violence in our counties. As we reduce the occurrence of family violence, we also enhance public safety, help reduce violent crime and homicide rates, unite communities in support of crime victims, save tax dollars, and increase the effectiveness of timely services.
Our Partners
This is a joint project of local community partners and national experts from the Alliance for Hope International. Community partners include non-profit service providers, medical providers, governmental agencies, law enforcement, mental health providers, schools, legal services, faith-based community leaders, civic leaders, and more.
VOICES Committee
The VOICES Committee serves the Family Justice Center leadership in an advisory capacity and is comprised of members of the community who have been victims of crime in Jefferson County. This committee helps educate the public about family violence and brings the victim perspective to the process. If you are interested in serving on this committee, complete and return the membership application.
Family Violence is a Community issue
Currently, our partner agencies include law enforcement, non-profit service providers, school districts, and government agencies. For more information about how you, your agency, or your community can get involved, contact Nicole Lopez at 720-853-8988 or nlopez@jeffco.us
Pete Weir,
Former District Attorney
"Family violence is not just a family issue, it is a community issue,We work hard to provide victims with the resources they need to keep them from returning to a dangerous home environment, but we can do better. Our Family Justice Center will allow us to enhance victim safety while promoting offender accountability and justice."
Jeff Shrader,
Jefferson County Sheriff
"PorchLight - the family justice center that serves Jefferson County will consolidate necessary resources for victims of family based crimes. It will make Jefferson County and our citizens safer. It will save lives! The JCSO is committed to its success."
Mary C. Berg,
Executive Director Jefferson County Human Services
"The strength and caring of the Jefferson County Community is evident in the collaboration of so many partners at the Family Justice Center, which will bring healing and hope to so many children and families."
Scott Shields, Chief Executive Officer (Family Tree)
“The PorchLight Family Justice Center is a substantial undertaking with an even more significant payoff: our community works together to demonstrate the power and sustainability of collaboration, while notably enhancing the offerings of hope and opportunity for survivors of family and intimate partner violence.”
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