BROWARD COUNTY, FL - County officials, staff, local dignitaries and law enforcement officially celebrated the grand opening of the new Nancy J. Cotterman Center (NJCC), the County's only Certified Sexual Assault Program, Accredited Children's Advocacy Center and Child Protection Team. 

Located in Oakland Park, the new LEED Gold-certified building is a 28,000-square-foot facility providing a safe haven for survivors of sexual assault, child abuse and human trafficking, and their families. The building is bright and inviting, with all the necessary space and resources to assist everyone from newborn and beyond. The facility is equipped with forensic medical exam rooms for children and adults, crisis counseling rooms, walls with hand-painted murals and a makeshift courtroom where professionals can simulate a court setting for children so they better understand what to expect during legal proceedings.

"This new facility is specifically designed to assist survivors and their families. The personal and empathetic care needed for clients can now take place in a facility that is built with their comfort in mind," said County Mayor Lamar P. Fisher. 

The Center was named after the late Nancy J. Cotterman whose goal was to improve the quality of life for survivors through counseling and forensically sensitive interventions, implemented by professionals specializing in these fields. Services are intended to assist in matters of public safety and to help individuals and families in their recovery. It is also certified as a sexual assault program by the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence and accredited as a Child Advocacy Center by the National Children's Alliance.

"I want to thank the entire team of professionals here at NJCC for all the work you do, day in and day out," said County Administrator Monica Cepero. "I also want to thank the City of Oakland Park for giving this facility a home and the many elected leaders, County staff and especially our Board of County Commissioners who helped make this need a reality for our community."

Services will soon be available at the new location. People in need can always call the 24-hour helpline at 954-761-RAPE (7273). For more information about the Center and available services, visit the NJCC website.