The Upper Cumberland Family Justice Center is expanding services to Overton County

The Upper Cumberland Family Justice Center is expanding services to Overton County

The Upper Cumberland Family Justice Center is adding a second location in Livingston to better serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse in Overton, Pickett, and Clay counties. The new office will open November 1 and be located inside the Livingston-Overton County Chamber of Commerce at 222 East Main Street in Livingston. Initially, the Family Justice Center will be open from 9 am until 4 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Victims and survivors of family violence and sexual assault may walk-in to the Center or call for assistance at (931) 644-3963. All of the services provided by the Family Justice Center are free of charge.

Dana Looper will be assigned to coordinate the UCFJC efforts in Overton County. Dana has 9 years of experience in serving victims of these violent crimes as a member of the law enforcement community. She was a domestic and sexual assault instructor at the Algood Police Department where she focused on training and improving police response to these crimes. Dana
has also been a frequent speaker regarding domestic and sexual violence. Thanks to the support and cooperation of Livingston Mayor Curtis Hayes, Overton County Executive Ben Danner, and Executive Director Greg McDonald of the Chamber, the UCFJC has a temporary home in the Chamber of Commerce until a permanent location in Livingston is determined.

“When the doors of the Family Justice Center opened, one of our goals was to work toward serving domestic violence victims throughout the Upper Cumberland. The establishment of a satellite site in Overton County moves us toward that goal. Domestic violence is a huge problem; the earlier we can establish a relationship with the victim, the more effective we are in providing services to them and holding their abusers accountable. We are excited about having a physical presence in Overton County.” Bryant Dunaway, Chairman of the Board, Upper Cumberland Family Justice Center.

The mission of the Upper Cumberland Family Justice Center is to provide greater accessibility for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse to comprehensive services in one location. The success of the Family Justice Center model has been built on the ability of victims to have one place to access available services at a time that is convenient to them
coupled with service partners working together to coordinate resources. The FJC provides access to the following services at the Center through our partner agencies: orders of protection, safety planning, lethality assessment, filing a report with law enforcement, information on the criminal justice system, civil legal assistance, counseling, access to emergency shelter, housing assistance, access to public benefits, and substance abuse counseling.