Attorney General Ken Paxton has allocated more than $35 million in grant funds to nonprofit organizations and local governments in Texas to support victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. The grants aim to provide crucial resources and assistance to those individuals who have suffered from senseless acts of crime.
In a statement, Attorney General Paxton emphasized the importance of achieving justice for crime victims, describing it as a sacred responsibility. He stated, "I have fought for the vital state funding that serves crime victims whose experiences forever changed their lives and the lives of those they love." The grant funds will directly benefit victims by offering counseling services, advocacy, legal aid, and other essential resources to aid in their healing process.
The grant funds will be distributed to various organizations and government entities, including local domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, district attorney and law enforcement offices. This funding will support personnel, training, and other necessary resources to improve victims' access to crisis intervention services and other forms of assistance.
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) administers several grant programs to serve crime victims. Among these programs are the Sexual Assault Prevention and Crisis Services, which will receive $14,784,798 in state grants for 74 rape crisis centers, as well as $608,448 in federal grants for 10 rape crisis centers. Additionally, the Victim Coordinator and Liaison Grants will receive $2,312,850 in grant funds to support 49 district attorney and law enforcement offices in advocating for crime victims.
To address the unmet needs of crime victims not covered by other OAG grant programs, $10,000,000 in state grants will be provided to nonprofits through the Other Victim Assistance Grants. Furthermore, the Texas Statewide Automated Victim Notification Service (SAVNS) grants will allocate $2,611,320.76 to 150 counties across Texas. This funding will enhance the victim information and notification system, ensuring that victims receive timely updates regarding offender court dates, parole hearings, and prison transfers.
Recognizing the importance of civil legal services for crime victims, the Supreme Court of Texas will receive a grant of $2.5 million to increase the availability of free or affordable civil legal aid through the Crime Victim Civil Legal Services Grant.
For individuals seeking further information on Crime Victim Assistance or future grant opportunities offered by the OAG, they can visit the OAG's Crime Victims Resource Page.
The allocation of over $35 million in grant funds by Attorney General Ken Paxton represents a significant investment in supporting victims of crime in Texas. Through this funding, nonprofit organizations, and local governments will be equipped to provide crucial services and resources to those who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. The grants will contribute to promoting healing and ensuring that victims have the necessary support throughout their journey towards justice and recovery.
To find out more, go to this link: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-awards-over-35-million-crime-victim-assistance-texas-nonprofits