The Center’s Criminal Justice Programs provide support and assistance to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault who are involved in criminal proceedings. We work with courts and law enforcement to provide training and coordination of efforts in responding to domestic violence within the communities we serve.
GCCFN FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER
GCCFN is very proud to have developed the first Family Justice Center in the state of Mississippi—a groundbreaking step forward in supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of interpersonal abuse. The Family Justice Center brings together multiple agencies under one roof, providing coordinated services such as advocacy, legal aid, law enforcement support, counseling, and more. This collaborative, survivor-centered approach reduces barriers to safety and healing, making it easier for individuals and families to access the help they need in one safe, welcoming location.
NORTHCUTT LEGAL CLINIC
The Northcutt Legal Clinic is a traditional law office that provides pro bono civil legal services for victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking. We represent victims in their legal battles for protection, for divorce, and for child custody and support. We have two attorneys, a paralegal, and a client advocate on staff to provide services at our two clinic locations.
Learn more about our legal services
COURT ADVOCACY
GCCFN places Court Advocates in justice and municipal courts within our service area to monitor domestic violence cases presented. The Advocate will offer resources to the victim including referrals for counseling and/or shelter.
COORDINATED COMMUNITY RESPONSE
Our Center’s Outreach Advocates work within our service area to establish and maintain Coordinated Community Response (CCR) teams. CCR is a multidisciplinary approach that brings together members of law enforcement, court personnel, victim advocates, and community members to provide a more seamless experience for assisting and protecting victims of domestic violence through coordination of information and services.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAM
The Domestic Violence Intervention Program is an eighteen-week class for domestic violence perpetrators. There are separate classes available for men and women.
The curriculum is based on the nationally recognized Duluth Model of Crisis Intervention Programs. The goal of the program is to teach offenders alternatives to coercive, dominating and violent behavior in intimate relationships, and to assist men/women to develop relationships based on equality by teaching skills and alternative behaviors.
DVIP is not an anger management program. In DVIP, participants must take total responsibility for their behavior. Confrontation of beliefs and attitudes is central to this work. Tactics used to control, minimization, and denial are challenged by group facilitators.
Classes are taught by master’s level therapists and/or social workers in practice on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
DVIP Curriculum
- Weeks 1 – 3: Nonviolence
- Weeks 4 – 5: Nonthreatening behavior
- Weeks 6 – 7: Respect
- Weeks 8 – 9: Support and trust
- Weeks 10 – 11: Accountability and honesty
- Weeks 12 – 14: Sexual respect
- Weeks 15 – 16: Partnership
- Weeks 17 – 18: Negotiation and Fairness
The DVIP program is a service for perpetrators of domestic abuse, not victims; there are costs associated with participation:
$35.00 – Assessment Fee • $25.00 – Per Class
Call 228-207-2327 to register • Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am to 5pm
