Brooklyn Launches First-Ever Trauma Recovery Center to Support Violence Survivors

A new trauma recovery center in Brooklyn promises to provide critical support for survivors of violence and harm, marking a significant step in addressing the needs of those affected by the criminal legal system. Opened by the Center for Community Alternatives (CCA) with $1.2 million in funding from the New York City Council, the center is the first of its kind in the nation to prioritize people who have endured trauma related to mass incarceration and systemic violence.

The Trauma Recovery Center (TRC) will offer a range of free services that focus on trauma-informed care for individuals impacted by various forms of violence, including physical or sexual assault, intimate partner abuse, trafficking, and hate crimes. With an emphasis on dignity and empowerment, the center aims to create a supportive environment where survivors can begin to heal and reclaim their lives. The TRC’s approach is tailored to meet individual needs and goals, ensuring culturally responsive care that respects the autonomy of each survivor.

Lucy Chrysaliu, the program director at CCA, described how the TRC will assist survivors through various supportive measures. These include assertive outreach, trauma-informed counseling, peer support, and structured help for those struggling with substance use disorders. The center will not only focus on immediate therapeutic needs but also facilitate connections within the community to foster recovery and resilience (Source: https://youtu.be/t7EAomFAiVE&t=982).

Addressing the broader context, the need for such a center has been highlighted by disparities in access to care, particularly for communities of color historically marginalized by the criminal legal system. Many survivors have gone without support, compounding their trauma. Data from CCA reveals that individuals often face multiple traumatic incidents before seeking help, highlighting the urgent need for targeted services (Source: https://youtu.be/t7EAomFAiVE&t=1085).

The opening of the TRC represents a broader commitment from city leaders to rethink public safety. As Council Speaker Adrienne Adams articulated, the creation of the center serves as an essential public safety and public health intervention, emphasizing that unresolved trauma fuels cycles of harm in communities (Source: https://youtu.be/t7EAomFAiVE&t=6986).

In a supportive community for those affected by trauma, CCA’s new Trauma Recovery Center aims to mitigate the long-term effects of violence. With its survivor-centered care model and expansive resources, the TRC stands ready to offer the help many have long awaited.