{"id":5511,"date":"2018-10-19T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-10-19T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prd-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/?p=5511"},"modified":"2021-10-04T21:13:32","modified_gmt":"2021-10-04T21:13:32","slug":"how-the-crystal-judson-center-helps-survivors-victims-domestic-violence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/how-the-crystal-judson-center-helps-survivors-victims-domestic-violence\/","title":{"rendered":"How the Crystal Judson Center helps survivors and victims of domestic violence","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

By Jean Jackman<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t they just leave?\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a common question people ask about women living with domestic violence, according to Abi McLane, assistant director of the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center in Tacoma.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe answer is very complicated,\u201d she says. \u201cIt can involve finances, the threat of children being taken away, the prospect of being homeless. So much goes into it.\u201d<\/p>\n

McLane thinks we talk about domestic violence more openly now, but misconceptions persist around what constitutes domestic violence, along with \u201cvictim-shaming.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to be talking about domestic violence as a society because this is not okay,\u201d says McLane. \u201cFor years, it was discussed as a family issue rather than a societal issue. There is a shift in talking about it now, and more ways to talk about it, more platforms such as social media, and that\u2019s a positive thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Defining the many forms of domestic violence is vital to recognizing the signs and supporting victims.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt its core, domestic violence is the desire to control the other person,\u201d she says. \u201cWhen someone uses power and control \u2014 emotional, psychological, physical or sexual \u2014 over someone else, that is the definition of domestic violence.<\/p>\n

\u201cDomestic abuse happens in every single demographic, regardless of income, education or culture. It is very nuanced. Everyone\u2019s situation and needs are different.\u201d<\/p>\n

In response, the Judson Center takes an individualized approach to serving domestic violence victims. Now in its 13th year, the Judson Center provides a safe place for survivors and families to obtain comprehensive, coordinated services, including one-on-one advocacy, counseling and support groups.<\/p>\n

In addition, partner agencies, such as the Pierce County Sheriff\u2019s Department and Prosecutor\u2019s Office domestic violence units, are co-located at the Center to make it easier for victims to access law enforcement services. Other partners include the state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Korean Women\u2019s Association (KWA), Catherine Place and Our Sisters\u2019 House.<\/p>\n

The Judson Center also works closely with the YWCA, which operates an emergency shelter for women and children in Pierce County.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur goal is to make sure clients get the right support for their needs,\u201d McLane says. \u201cThey might get help filing a restraining order, or go to the YWCA for shelter or get help with child support enforcement. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.\u201d<\/p>\n

In 2017, the Center recorded 2,319 survivor visits to the onsite center. Typically, 90 percent of clients are women.<\/p>\n

The Center uses a model called trauma-informed care to better serve clients, which focuses on:<\/p>\n