Project Impact

Working with the WP Police to Respond to Domestic Abuse

Our Treatment Center for Trauma and Abuse collaborates with the White Plains Police Department on PROJECT IMPACT to jointly respond to women and children who are victims and/or witnesses to domestic violence.

The project aims to increase the capacity of police officers to work with mothers, children and families affected by domestic violence and to identify children who may be in need of intervention.  The goal is to break the cycle of violence as well as to connect victims to long and short-term services.  Services are especially aimed at children who have witnessed domestic violence, particularly by one parent against another and who frequently suffer from psychological and behavioral difficulties including trauma. These children often feel torn between two parents and have difficulty with trust, safety and separation. Early assessment and intervention offers children a critical chance to recover and heal from the damaging psychological effects of the domestic violence. The project also provides families with important information and resources.

Initial funding was provided by Westchester County's Women's Research and Education Fund.  An additional federal grant has been obtained through the White Plains Police Department to augment and expand the program. 

The WJCS Treatment Center for Trauma (TCTA) provides long-term solutions to victims of violence and abuse by offering a comprehensive team and multi-service approach that has the capacity to identify and treat the inter-related aspects of violence and abuse and the resulting long-term pain and trauma of abuse experienced by women, children and families.

For information contact Dr. Liane Nelson at 914-949-7699 ext. 375 or lnelson@wjcs.com.