Who are the VOICES?

Within the European Family Justice Center Alliance (EFJCA), VOICES brings together survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse and other forms of gender-based violence who share their lived experience to create change.

The VOICES committees in Europe are part of a global survivor-led network. They give survivors a platform to speak out, inspire others, and contribute directly to the development of Family Justice Centers and other multidisciplinary services. Their unique perspective strengthens professional practice, raises awareness, breaks taboos, and helps prevent (lethal) violence.

Through the EFJCA, VOICES members collaborate with professionals, policymakers and communities across Europe. They advise on services, participate in trainings, speak at conferences, and advocate for change. In doing so, VOICES ensures that the voices of survivors remain at the heart of the Family Justice Center movement.

The first VOICES committee was established in 2003 at the San Diego Family Justice Center (USA) under the leadership of Gael Strack, who had been appointed Director of the Center by then-City Attorney Casey Gwinn.

At that time, VOICES members were recruited to serve as advisors to the San Diego Family Justice Center, lead trainings, provide feedback on services, and speak at public events to raise awareness of the Center’s work.

A national movement to create VOICES committees across the United States soon followed.

Today, VOICES has grown into a global network of survivor leaders.