Vision
In 1996, Ann DeLaney set out to change the conversation surrounding domestic violence. Ann strongly believed that comprehensive supportive services were needed to help women end their abusive relationships. Simply stated, we needed to do more than provide shelter if we truly wanted to affect change.
Central to this concept was the opening of a new 45,000 square foot domestic violence facility in November 2001. The new facility featured 21 shelter bedrooms and 11 transitional housing rooms. Each year, approximately 1,100 women and children would receive shelter and 56 would stay in transitional housing.
Upon opening in November 2001, The Julian Center Shelter offered case management, individual, group, and family therapy, medical services, respite care for children, and an IPS classroom for children who could not return to their own schools due to safety concerns. Tutoring and mentoring, financial education, and legal services were added later.
United to end violence
In what some would consider an unprecedented move, the Indianapolis Police Department decided to locate their Domestic Violence Unit at The Julian Center, and the Marion County Prosecutor placed three deputy prosecutors on-site. The Julian Center became one of the few, if not the only domestic violence shelter which combined the efforts of advocates, law enforcement and prosecution under one roof.
Victims could now come to one location and receive a myriad of services needed to end their abusive relationships. Services were coordinated and convenient, increasing the likelihood that victims would participate.
A model to follow
Ann’s vision was realized and it had a name (although she didn’t know it at the time). In 2004, The Julian Center received the distinction of Family Justice Center by President George W. Bush and the U.S. Department of Justice. Ann’s vision would be one of four models throughout the United States highlighted as a best practices program for other communities to follow.
Fifteen years later after Ann started, The Julian Center is the largest domestic violence facility in Indiana serving about 4,700 victims of domestic violence each year.
Making the difference
The Legal Services Program is one of the most important programs established by DeLaney during her tenure at The Julian Center. Research shows that access to affordable legal services is the single best predictor that a victim of violence will successfully end the abusive relationship. The Julian Center offers these services free of charge helping hundreds of families each year.
The establishment of the Ann M. DeLaney Legal Assistance Fund is a fitting way to honor her contribution to our community.
It is part of her legacy.
Join us
Please join us in paying tribute to an extraordinary woman who has changed our community in amazing and positive ways.
A contribution to the Ann M. DeLaney Legal Assistance Fund
will stop the violence.
Click here to help.
We need to provide more
than shelter if we truly want
to affect change.
Ann M. DeLaney Legal
Assistance Fund.
A legacy.
