Concord – After today, victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse and human trafficking will have a place to go in Central  to get the comprehensive assistance necessary to get out of harm’s way and obtain the services they need to heal and move forward in their lives.

The Central Family Justice Center at 2151 Salvio Street, Suite 201, at Todos Santos Plaza in Downtown Concord, celebrated its official Grand Opening today at 12pm.  With the support of dozens of community groups and private sector donors, this new facility, the first of its kind in Central Contra Costa County, is the brainchild of Concord Mayor Tim Grayson and Chief of Police Guy Swanger, who will both be speaking attomorrow’s opening.

“National estimates show that victims of domestic and other kinds of abuse may have to access as many as 32 different agencies for assistance,” said Grayson, who in addition to serving his second year as Mayor of Concord is also the Emergency Response Chaplain for the Concord Police Department.

“Oftentimes victims, with their children, are so frustrated and overwhelmed by maneuvering through the bureaucracies that they forego the help they need and return home to potentially dangerous environments,” Grayson added.

“Our opening Central County’s first Family Justice Center will hopefully make it easier for victims to get the immediate help they need,” Grayson added.

Grayson said that at least a dozen services will be easily accessible in or through the new Central Family Justice Center, which he anticipates will serve more than 2,000 individuals per year.