STOCKTON, Calif. -- In what the San Joaquin County District Attorney's office calls a "one stop shop," a new Family Justice Center opened at the old Superior Court building at 222 E. Weber in Downtown Stockton on Wednesday.
"It's like my family here. They are taking care of my brother," said Rosario Nunez, as she began to cry.
Nunez couldn’t hold back the tears thinking of the support for her brother, Jose Nunez, who lost his life just over two years ago in Southeast Stockton. It was October 4, 2016, on a Tuesday, just after 9 p.m. in the 2000 block of Madrid Drive.
Police say Nunez was shot in front of a home. He was transported to a hospital where he died.
"I miss him so much. He's got two kids he left," Nunez told ABC10.
For families and victims of crime, finding resources for help can be challenging. But now for the first time, all are under one roof with the new San Joaquin County District Attorney Family Justice Center.
"So, all of the great service providers for our county are agreeing to come together under a single roof so the victims only have to develop courage to walk through one set of doors," said Suzanne Schultz, Justice Center Project Director.
Schultz was the Family Crimes coordinator for the San Joaquin County DA's office for over 30 years. The center is her idea.
"So, the Women's Center Youth and Family Services is in the house. Child Abuse Prevention Council. They're bringing their expertise and they're watching children for victims in the house. We have Stockton Police Department. The DA's Office, eligibility workers from the Human Services Agency, Family Law Legal Center. We have all of those providers coming here," said Schultz.
"And it doesn't matter if the trauma happened last night or 50 years ago. We believe you, we hear you, and we will help you," said Tori Verber Salazar, San Joaquin County District Attorney.
Silvia Diaz's son, Jose, was killed in a shooting. She says those who know little English are sometimes afraid to seek out help. She believes the new Center will help change that.
"They coming over here. My friend needed help. They know who and where," said Diaz.
"Sometimes, when you go to another place, you don't qualify for what the situation is. So, with this place open, there is a lot of opportunity for a lot of people," said Beatriz Barajas, mother of 25-year-old Jessica Salcedo, who was found dead in July of 2016.
Not only has Rosario lost a brother to a shooting, but her 3-year-old cousin Melanie Martinez over two years ago as well. She hopes one day arrests will be made and justice served.
"It's too much for us," said Nunez.
The Justice Center will provide help to victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, along with elder and dependent adult abuse all in one place.
"What was happening is families had no sleep, were exhausted and they really had no place for the kids to be. And we looked at it in its totality and said, 'Why don't we come together? Why aren't we in one building?'" said Salazar.
The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office, Victim Witness, Stockton Police Department, San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, Behavioral Health Services, Human Services Agency, Child Abuse Prevention County, Women's Center Youth and Family Services, County Office of Education and the Department of Child Support Services all have representatives in the Center.
The Family Justice Center is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Room 100 and Room 101 on the first floor at 222 E. Weber Avenue.
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