Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center

LINDA JOHANEK, CEO

Our Mission and Vision

The Mission of Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center is to empower individuals, educate the community and advocate for justice to end domestic violence and child abuse.

Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center envisions a community in which all people enjoy lives free from violence and abuse and feel safe and secure in their relationships

Pillars of Change…

Empowering Individuals

Support

Crisis Intervention

Therapy

Shelter

Educating the Community

Prevention

Training

Public Awareness

Education

Advocating For Justice

Intervention

Advocacy

Leadership

Systems Change

Services and Programs

24-Hour Domestic Violence Helpline   24-Hour Family Helpline Emergency Shelter  Justice System Advocacy Supervised Visitation Center  Support Groups   Latina Project   Ujima Project 

Teen Dating Violence Program Child Abuse Prevention in Schools Individual Trauma Counseling for adults

and children Group Therapy Parenting Program Training and Education  

The JSAP Advocate…

Monitors Lakewood police calls to the 24-hour Helpline and reviews docket

Provides Court escorts and support throughout the court process, including trials

Provides safety planning, crisis intervention, and information about protection orders, as needed

Conducts follow-up calls to provide support, information, and further safety planning

Facilitates local domestic violence support groups offered to all Lakewood victims

Where We Serve…..

Mobile Staff

50 Locations

2,187 victims served by Justice System Advocates in Cuyahoga County

Cuyahoga County

The Lakewood JSAP Advocate…

Served 134 victims in Lakewood Court

151 units of support group services

JSAP advocates collaborate almost daily with the Lakewood Prosecutors Office and the Lakewood Municipal Court

Advocates provide information, education and materials about domestic violence to law enforcement and justice system personnel

Advocate for individual victims and for procedures and processes in court which will emphasize the safety of victims

Facilitates a support group for domestic violence victims

Life After Abuse…..

For domestic violence survivor Patricia, DVCAC’s Justice System Advocacy program was not only transformational, it was literally life- saving. She grew up in a loving family, attended the University of Akron and was a special education teacher for 30 years. When she fell in love with the wrong person, she nearly lost her life. She was verbally and emotionally abused, beaten severely and left to die. With the help of DVCAC’s Justice System Advocacy program she found the courage to face her abuser in court and helped send her batterer to prison. Patricia sought counseling and for two years she attended the DVCAC’s weekly support group where she shared her story, learned from others, and regained the confidence she needed to move forward with her life.