Look out, wife-beaters — and husband-beaters, too.
Officials announced the start of construction today for a new, $6.5 million family justice center, to open next year at 80 Centre St. in downtown Manhattan.
The center — the fourth of its kind citywide — will be a stopping point for domestic violence victims to report crimes, get counseling and find emergency and shelter housing.
“The Manhattan family justice center will provide immediate support for families at risk of violence through a multitude of services,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance had promised during his 2009 campaign that he would build such a center; he said he intends to move the top prosecutors for his domestic violence, elder abuse, sex crimes and human trafficking units there.
“Domestic violence is a public health crisis; it is not just a criminal justice crisis,” Vance said.