A $1 million federal grant will be used to create a Family Justice Center in Knoxville that will serve as a one-stop resource center for victims of domestic violence.

More than 60 local government and non-profit agencies have partnered to create the center, which is designed to make victims' search for help and justice more effective by bringing professionals who provide an array of services together in one location. The Knoxville Police Department coordinated the agencies participation and submitted the successful grant proposal to the U.S. Department of Justice."The collaboration and cooperation to create this resource center is unprecedented," Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam said. "The Family Justice Center will make a difference to women and children who are victimized by domestic violence by allowing them to find the help they need in one place."Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale said, "This effort demonstrates a multitude of agencies desire to help women and children in the most compassionate and effective way." Whether it's obtaining a protection order, talking to a crisis counselor or finding shelter, the Family Justice Center will enable women to get the help they need for themselves and their children," Mayor Ragsdale said. Knoxville Police Chief Phil Keith earlier this month was appointed by President Bush to serve on the National Advisory Board for the Family Justice Center Initiative."Today's announcement is evidence of the good that comes from law enforcement agencies partnering with community groups to help stop the cycle of domestic violence," Chief Keith said.The Knoxville grant was among more than $20 million awarded to 15 communities under the President's Family Justice Center Initiative.The city of Knoxville received $1,077,000 to fund start-up costs for the center, and Legal Aid of Tennessee Inc. received $150,000 toward the effort.