Casey Gwinn, President of Alliance for HOPE International, announced that Uber's no-cost ride program will enable survivors and their children to reach Family Justice Centers (FJCs) and access essential services. This statement was made on the Uber Newsroom.
"Transportation for domestic violence survivors saves lives," said Gwinn. "Survivors often don't seek help because they cannot access the lifesaving services of Family Justice Centers. Uber's support for no-cost rides for survivors will be the difference between life and death for survivors and their children in 15 Family Justice Center communities in this country."
Family Justice Centers are community hubs designed to consolidate police, prosecutors, advocates, and social services in one location. They aim to assist survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and elder abuse by providing services without the need to navigate multiple agencies. The U.S. Department of Justice has recognized this model as a best practice for reducing trauma and improving safety outcomes for survivors. According to DomesticShelters.org and the DOJ’s Family Justice Center Initiative, FJCs offer coordinated, trauma-informed care across the nation.
There are currently over 130 Family Justice or Multi-Agency Centers operating in the United States, serving an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 survivors annually. These centers are expanding in both urban and rural areas due to increasing recognition of their effectiveness. Alliance for HOPE International reports that affiliated centers continue to grow nationwide to meet the demand for survivor-focused services.
Transportation is identified as one of the most significant barriers faced by survivors attempting to leave abusive situations or access legal, shelter, or healthcare services. Studies indicate that many victims cannot attend court hearings or reach safe housing due to unreliable transit options, particularly in rural regions. South Valley Services consistently ranks transportation challenges among the top obstacles to safety and recovery.
Gwinn co-founded the nation’s first Family Justice Center in 2002 while serving as San Diego City Attorney and later helped establish Alliance for HOPE International with Gael Strack. He has experience prosecuting domestic violence cases and leading San Diego’s domestic violence unit. Gwinn is considered a leading figure in the Family Justice Center movement according to Alliance for HOPE and his Wikipedia biography.
Alliance for HOPE International is a nonprofit organization founded by Gwinn and Strack focused on expanding and supporting Family Justice Centers along with other trauma-informed services. Its mission is centered on promoting hope-based collaboration aimed at ending domestic violence, sexual violence, elder abuse, and human trafficking. The organization provides training, resources, and technical assistance to centers aiding thousands of survivors each year.