Co-located family violence, child abuse center coming to WashCo

It's a common story at the Family Justice Center of Washington County.

A victim of domestic violence comes into the resource center in Beaverton seeking help and has her children in tow. The victim — usually female — receives counseling, legal assistance and support for temporary housing, among other services, says Judy Willey, president of the FJC board.

But what about the children?

Oftentimes, during the process, the reality sets in that the kids — who in many cases have witnessed the abuse or were victims themselves — also need support, Willey notes.

Since the FJC opened its doors in 2018, underage victims have had to travel to Legacy Emanuel Health Center in North Portland, where the hospital houses CARES Northwest, the largest child abuse assessment and treatment center in the region.

For these survivors, who often don't have cars or went to the FJC in secret out of fear of their abuser, the separation between the services is a substantial barrier, Willey said.

But that barrier is about to be overcome.