The Center For Family Justice Welcomes Law Enforcement Officials

BRIDGEPORT, CT – Law enforcement from all six communities served by The Center for Family Justice came together Thursday morning to discuss the importance of collaboration in helping those impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence and child abuse.

Debra Greenwood, president/CEO of The Center for Family Justice, said her staff works closely with officers and that those relationships are a valuable asset in helping survivors.

“We know our message here at The Center for Family Justice is we are partners with law enforcement,” Greenwood said. “We work side by side.”

Greenwood and other CFJ staff talked about the importance of educating young people about how to build healthy relationships through the local school systems.

Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter, who was sworn in as the new chief on Dec. 1, 2022, was the guest of honor at the event. In his more than 30 years in law enforcement, Porter said the education component is vital in prevention.

“I actually got to see the cycle that it causes in how if a young person or people who are exposed to domestic violence aren’t educated at an early age, they become offenders themselves,” Porter said.

Retired Police Chief Gary MacNamara, executive director of public safety and government affairs at Sacred Heart University, also spoke at the event. MacNamara chairs the center’s White Ribbon Committee, which calls on men to speak out against domestic violence.

Greenwood said she wants people to know they can get help no matter what their circumstances.

“No matter what your culture is, what your gender is, what country you’re from, whether you’re legal or not legal, it doesn’t matter. We will support you no matter what,” Greenwood said.

The Center for Family Justice offers support to the residents of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull.