Mariah Foley
Staff Writer

Students and staff members at Pierce have probably noticed the domestic violence awareness posters in the hallways and bathrooms. They often have small tear-off cards with a phone number and a website, aplaceofhelp.com. These posters are sponsored by the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center.

The Family Justice Center (FJC) is a place that serves the needs of victims of domestic violence.  It is comprised of many different government and community partners. They provide resources such as legal support, counseling, housing, transportation, victim support in criminal cases, and foster care assistance.

Abuse is any behavior that scares, injures, manipulates, blames, or humiliates someone, and can be physical, sexual, economic, or psychological actions or threats that influence another person. Domestic violence can happen to anyone; couples who are married, living together, or dating. It affects every person, no matter their economic or social standing.

In her blog, Susan Adams, the director of the FJC, asks, “How many more will die before our society says ‘no more’?  Until that day comes, those of us who are passionate about this issue will continue to beat the drums and work to raise awareness about domestic violence because it is still so very misunderstood by so many.”

Susan spent several years as a supervisor of the Prosecutors Office Domestic Violence Unit, where she developed a passion for working in the field of domestic violence.

Susan states, “I am inspired to come to work every day to a place filled with professionals from a multitude of disciplines (government and social service) all committed to providing comprehensive services to the people we serve with the goal of helping them move from crisis to safety, stability, and happiness.”