ST. GEORGE — A family justice center is being opened in Staten Island to cope with a rising rate of domestic violence arrests.
District Attorney Dan Donovan announced on Monday the construction of the borough’s first center at 126 Stuyvesant Pl.
It will provide a safe haven where victims can meet with a prosecutor, speak to a counselor and apply for financial and housing assistance.
"The domestic violence victims of Staten Island will very much appreciate having vital resources and services available to them in a one-stop safe haven,” Donovan said in a release.
Since 2010, domestic violence arrests in Staten Island have risen 34 percent. Last year, 22 percent of total crimes in the borough were related to domestic violence, Donovan said.
Of the three homicides in Staten Island this year, two have been linked to domestic violence, the district attorney said.
The center will be run by the Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence, which also has centers in Brooklyn, Queens and The Bronx.
Staten Island's center will be built in the city-owned building using $1.55 million in funds from City Hall, to be funded in the city's 2014 budget.
“This is a victory for domestic violence victims and a success of my 10 years in office for which I am most proud,” Donovan said.
