Gerardo Santos, & Dr. Daniel Sandoval
The recovery and justice model of the Family Justice Center has made an important impact on the lives of victims experiencing family violence. Counties across the US have invested into these centers providing it will help increase a clearer support pathway for victims. Paradoxically, these services are bound within the penal justice system. In Oxnard, California there is development for an FJC along with a second floor serving as a police hub. Scholars have addressed the lack of community trust towards the police, especially those of low-income, working class, communities of color due to historical state violence and systemic racism; using a LatCrit theoretical perspective, along with concepts of Autonomy through the lens of Zapatismo, this paper aims to discuss the FJC model, its dependency on the state and its relevance to victims of domestic violence. Through key in-depth interviews with the Chief Deputy District Attorney of Ventura County, and the Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center project manager, questions regarding community outreach, alternatives to policing, and critical framework application convey the foci of inquiry; the aim of this study is to understand whether dependency to the criminal justice system, and ultimately the state, aid or impede victim recovery. By taking a deeper look into these elements, this study aspires to reveal the underpinnings of the FJC and their efforts to cultivate healing within Latina victims of domestic violence in order to foster autonomy.