The Community Justice Center (CJC), located at the Harrelson Center in Wilmington, NC, is a place of hope for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and youth violence. As the CEO and Chief Legal Counsel, I am proud to say that since first opening our doors in November 2024, we have served nearly 120 people in need. Our mission is to support victims of violence and to hold offenders accountable by providing accessible, coordinated, and comprehensive services in a single location. Thanks to the generous investment from the New Hanover Community Endowment, the CJC achieves this by bringing together key community partners under one roof to provide effective assistance to those in need of services.
Our Partners and Services
The Community Justice Center is a collaborative hub where guests can access a range of critical resources in one central location. The CJC partners with key local organizations in both law enforcement and victim advocacy, including: the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, the Wilmington Police Department, the Department of Social Services, The Rape Crisis Center of Coastal Horizons, The Carousel Center, Domestic Violence Shelter & Services, Novant Health, and UNC Wilmington. By uniting nonprofits, direct service organizations, and law enforcement in one office, we create a collaborative space where victims can access the resources they need in a single visit.
Why the CJC Matters
Navigating the complex criminal justice system can be overwhelming, especially for those in crisis. After spending 20 years as this community’s District Attorney, I came to realize that the system, though well-intentioned, is primarily reactive. We focus on punishing bad behavior but neglect to address the root causes that led to that behavior, which leads to a revolving door of crime and incarceration, with little hope for rehabilitation. Too often today’s victim becomes tomorrow’s defendant. At the CJC, we take a holistic approach to crime prevention, bringing together agencies that not only work for justice, but also focus on providing the resources necessary for victims to regain control of their lives. With your support, we will continue to work towards hope, healing, and justice for all.
Benjamin R. David
CEO & Chief Legal Counsel, Community Justice Center
www.nhccjc.org