Investigations of abuse can be painful and disturbing to women and children. Since the opening of the Fresno SART center in August 2003, Forensic Nurse Specialists of Central CA and local law enforcement agencies have been providing sexual assault evidence collection and domestic violence treatment. Although physical evidence is collected from victims they are released without a proper forensic interview, intervention, counseling or follow up. All representatives also recognize that many women and children remain at risk for revictimization by excessive interviews, lack of communication and coordination between agencies, and lack of specialized interviewing techniques.

In response to this, the Center is a comfortable place where women and children can feel safe and free from distractions and/or public scrutiny. The Center provides critical services to women and children who are victims/survivors of sexual and physical abuse, domestic violence, and victims who witness abuse. The Center will feature a comprehensive team response to allegations of abuse including forensic interviews and medical examinations with photography, victim advocacy, case management and review, therapeutic intervention, and other follow-up services that may be needed. A multidisciplinary team approach will be utilized in the investigation, assessment, case management and medical and therapeutic treatment involving these victims and their families.

The mission of the Family Healing Center is that all women and children who are victims of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse and those who have witnessed abuse will be treated sensitively by police, prosecution, and protection agencies by working harmoniously together with the professionals at the center. The center will feature a comprehensive team response to allegations of abuse including forensic interviews and medical examinations with photography, victim advocacy, case management and review, therapeutic intervention, and other follow-up services that may be needed.
Our vision allows us to create a model that is committed to providing integrative and holistic services to trauma survivors. We embody the best practices of scholarship, experience and, most importantly, survivor wisdom. We operate from a philosophy of abundance, inviting all to share their gifts as part of healing our community. The center provides all assessment and treatment services in a supportive environment. We believe healing is possible for everyone.
The center strives to promote a sense of safety, trauma reduction, and consistency to abuse survivors and non-offending family members.
If you, a family member or a friend are a victim please contact us immediately.

The vision of the Family Healing Center is that all women and children who are victims of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse and those who have witnessed abuse will be treated sensitively by police, prosecution, and protection agencies working harmoniously through the professionals at the center. It is our vision through the Family Healing Center that we treat victims immediate, emotional, physical and spiritual need.

Prior to the interview beginning, the coordinator will explain the process to all family members and provide a tour of the facility. The interview will take place by a professional forensic interviewer who is an expert with extensive knowledge on victims and abuse. Simultaneously, another team member will be observing the interview from another room. This process keeps the number of times a victim must tell the story to a minimum. Interviews last an average of one hour depending on the complexity of the case. All interviews are audio and video taped.

Forensic examinations are sometimes necessary to determine whether a woman or child has been injured and to collect physical evidence. Our forensic professionals have extensive training and experience in sexual and physical abuse. If a forensic examination is determined to be necessary, a trained advocate will remain with the victim throughout the process.