Center for Court Innovation: Increase Access to Services for Survivors of Crime Grantees

In April 2017, Center for Court Innovation was selected to receive funds under the Criminal Justice Investment Initiative (CJII) in response to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office’s request for proposals to Increase Access to Services for Survivors of Crime. This investment significantly increases access to a number of critical services for survivors of crime, particularly for those who face considerable barriers to accessing services such as immigrants; LGBTQ individuals; individuals with disabilities or who are D/deaf or hard of hearing; and people of color.

With these funds, the Center for Court Innovation is developing its Men’s Empowerment Program at the Harlem Community Justice Center to provide trauma-informed, culturally competent victim services to men of color who have experienced victimization and/or exposure to violence, with a special focus on individuals in the justice system. CCI will also build public awareness and conduct an outreach campaign around masculinity norms that often dissuade male victims from seeking services, and to promote awareness of and engagement with the new services.

The Center for Court Innovation is one of 11 organizations to receive funds to increase access to services for survivors of crime. These programs will enhance the current landscape of services for survivors in Manhattan and across the city. By making these services more accessible, the DA’s Office seeks to increase the use of services, improve survivor outcomes, and mitigate the increased risk of criminal offending that is often associated with victimization or circumstances surrounding victimization, ultimately increasing public safety.

The investments under this initiative, along with the other initiatives being developed under CJII, form a comprehensive set of strategic investments that, together, will have a significant, lasting impact on public safety and justice reform in New York City.