Story By: Megan Diskin

The nonprofit organization behind the Ventura County Family Justice Center is holding a virtual fundraiser Thursday night.

The free event from the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation features performances from REO Speedwagon, Tower of Power, Ignition, special guest Gregg Bissonette and The Reddcoats, according to a news release.

Rachael Watkins, victim services manager at the Family Justice Center, walks past the forensic interview and medical exam rooms for victims of sexual assault at the Family Justice Center in Ventura. Along the wall is a painting by local artist MB Hanrahan of the Ventura Pier overlooking the Channel Islands.

The family justice center in Ventura provides free services for survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse and human trafficking. The trauma-informed service providers are trained to offer support without repeatedly victimizing the survivors and work on plans to help survivors move forward.

The center is overseen by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and opened in November 2019. Since the  COVID-19 restrictions were implemented in March, there has been a 125% increase in requests for help with domestic violence restraining orders and a 90% increase in sexual assault, child abuse and elder abuse referrals.

“The justice center provides vital services for our community,” said Michael Jump, chief deputy district attorney and director of victim and community services. “We are excited the foundation is offering the community the opportunity to participate in a virtual evening of fun while helping to make a difference for victims of violent crimes.”

The event called the “Evening of Hope Virtual Variety Show” starts at 6:30 p.m. and will stream live on the center’s Facebook page. The page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/VCFJC.Foundation and a link will appear on the livestream for people to donate.

The Ventura County Community Foundation, Ventura County Medical Center Trauma Department, Mustang Marketing, Gold Coast Health Plan, The MoRock’in Chef, Carly Bracco and Kyle Rohrbach are sponsoring the event.

Megan Diskin is a courts and breaking news reporter with The Star. Reach her at megan.diskin@vcstar.com or 805-437-0258. 

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