About Us
What is the Family Justice Center?
The Family Justice Center of Ouachita Parish (FJC) is a one-stop information and service center here to serve those seeking assistance in domestic violence or teen dating situations, for sexual assault or stalking. We have worked throughout Northeast Louisiana to form collaborative partnerships to end Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Teen Dating Violence and Stalking. The office is located at 620 Riverside Drive in Monroe, LA.
- The FJC’s goal is to make services more accessible to victims of these crimes by locating together:
- Social Workers- housing, food, childcare & job search assistance
- Civil legal assistance (protection orders, divorce, child custody/support, and more)
- Law enforcement
- Counselors
- Medical personnel
- Prosecutors
- Clergy
- Community volunteers
Our Mission
To provide a safe and accessible, central intake and service center for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking to receive comprehensive, coordinated community services.
Services available at the FJC:
- Safety Planning
- Stalking information and assistance
- Referral to safe, confidential emergency shelters or housing
- Domestic Violence and Dating Violence Education
- Assistance with obtaining protective orders
- Counseling for survivors of domestic violence & sexual assault as well as children who have witnessed domestic violence
- Referral to legal assistance
- Assistance with medical care and prescriptions
- Child care while receiving services at FJC
- Food vouchers
- Law enforcement reports
- Financial empowerment
- Chaplain services
- Translation services
- Interviews with Assistant District Attorney
- Financial Assistance
Individuals seeking assistance at the FJC may choose to use any/all of these services (subject to availability). All services are free and confidential.
Our History
Domestic violence in Northeast Louisiana is a community concern that is a blow to us all. In 1988, the SAFE (Stopping Abusive Family Environments) Task Force was formed by agencies in Ouachita Parish. In 2005, those agencies formed the Family Justice Center of Ouachita, making the parish a safer place.
The First to Serve in Ouachita Parish
The Family Justice Center of Ouachita was one of the first 15 centers in the nation to receive a grant under President Bush’s initiative, as well as the first to operate in the state of Louisiana.
The FJC uses co-location, a national best practice that puts agencies that serve victims under one roof, making it easier for those who need services to get them while batterers are held accountable for their actions. Since the center opened in 2005, rates of reports of domestic and dating violence have fallen by 47.3% (2,873 in 2004 vs 1,512 in 2020).
Recognitions and Awards
In 2015, The Wellspring and FJC was one of 20 sites selected across the nation for a site visit in recognition of the 20th Anniversary of the passage of Violence Against Women Act. The FJC was honored with the 2015 Calogero Justice Award at the 30th Anniversary Gala by the LA Bar Foundation in April of 2016. The Wellspring was awarded the James Sharp Jr. Justice Award by the City of Monroe in 2018. In 2018, the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault awarded The Wellspring Program of the Year.
15 of Service to Our Community
The Family Justice Center celebrated its 15th Anniversary October 29, 2020. During this celebration, several award recipients were recognized for their work towards ending domestic violence. We would like to thank our 2020 Award Recipients:
Dr. Robert Hanser – Trailblazer
Valerie Bowman – Pioneer
State Senator Katrina Jackson – Humanitarian