Face-to-Face program aids victims of domestic violence

Editor’s Note: The following piece was submitted by Cathy Jordan, president of Wake Women Attorneys (WWA).

Legal Aid of North Carolina recently was informed about a plastic surgeon in Chapel Hill, Dr. J. Charles Finn, who performs facial reconstruction work for victims of domestic violence on a pro-bono basis. The group e-mailed Dr. Finn’s office to verify the information and was informed that he participates in his professional association’s Face-to-Face program.

Finn’s Web site bio notes that, among many other teaching and philanthropy activities, “For over a decade he has offered pro-bono services to victims of domestic abuse through the Face-to-Face program of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and now offers these services to our wounded veterans as well [through Face of Honor].”

Any domestic violence victim requiring facial reconstruction surgery as a result of domestic violence is eligible. The only prerequisite is that the client be separated from the abuser for at least a year prior to entering the program. For program details, visit www.aafprs.org/patient/humanitarian/pa_ffviolence.html.

The best part of the story, says Celia Mansaray of Legal Aid, is that Finn specifically requested that they pass on the information so that more victims will hear of the program. So that is what we are doing here!