About Amberly's Place
The Yuma Family Advocacy Coalition established Amberly's Place in 1999 to provide an innovative, multi-disciplinary approach to the investigation, prosecution and intervention of cases of child sexual and/or physical abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking. Amberly's Place is open to all law enforcement agencies operating within Yuma County.
Amberly's Place brings together:
law enforcement officers
prosecuting attorneys
mental health and social service providers
victim advocates
protective services
and on-site medical professionals
Amberly's Place offers immediate crisis intervention, on-site medical attention, and one-time video interviews to avoid re-traumatization of victims, while providing a safe and nurturing environment. By locating those involved in the investigation and treatment of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and elder abuse under one roof, the team members will be able to accomplish in hours what ordinarily takes several weeks.
At Amberly's Place, the victims tell what has happened to them only one time, to one person.
Because Amberly's Place is an extremely victim-friendly and safe environment, victims are less likely to be re-traumatized by the interview and examination process. By providing a relaxed, non-institutional setting, Amberly's Place supports victims, helping them to more easily provide complete information with which to aid the investigation and prosecution of their cases.
Amberly's Place will also assist victims and their families with the healing process. Victim Advocates will provide immediate crisis intervention and will be available to help victims obtain Orders of Protections, provide court escort, and to explain the criminal justice process. Professionals located at Amberly's Place are able to assist with accessing other community resources for emergency food, clothing and housing. Complete wrap-around services are offered.
It is the belief of the Board of Directors that the creation of Amberly's Place in Yuma enhances the investigation and prosecution of batterers and perpetrators. We believe that our community will see a significant increase in criminal prosecution and a higher incident of conviction in crimes against children, domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse.