February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and the Bronx Family Justice Center wants to let anyone suffering from domestic violence know they are here to help.  

Veronica Garcia, a domestic violence survivor, linked up with the center 12 years ago. She says that if that connection never was made, she may not be able to call herself a survivor.  

She is a mom of two and a Honduran immigrant and says her significant other repeatedly threatened to call police or ICE on her to deport her.  

After a trip to the hospital, police put her in contact with the Family Justice Center, which provides free safe shelter, resources and legal counsel.  

“I continued coming here because they made me feel like part of their family,” said Garcia.  

The center works directly with the Bronx District Attorney’s office, which is located in the same building.  

“Housing, medical needs, therapy, you name it,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark. “We can do for them what they're not going to get being alone and afraid." 

The Bronx Family Justice Center is open by appointment or walk-in Monday through Friday.