The Family Justice Center in South Bend announced its alliance with the National Family Justice Center on Wednesday.

It is the first and only affiliated center in Indiana and the Midwest.

"Our FJC is joining the ranks of the other 30 affiliated centers around the country proactively working to provide trauma informed care and victim centered services to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and their families," said Amy Stewart-Brown the Executive Director of the Family Justice Center.

The affiliation will help when the center applies for competitive funding grants.

The announcement was praised by many in law enforcement, including St. Joseph County Prosecutor Ken Cotter.