The Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has announced the allocation of over $228.5 million in grants aimed at supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. These funds will be directed towards court-based programs, legal assistance, and initiatives for underserved groups including older adults and rural communities. Emphasis is placed on reducing barriers and enhancing access to services for culturally specific communities.
This funding is part of a larger $690 million grant package commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. The grants are intended to improve community responses to various forms of violence across states, territories, and Tribal nations. This announcement follows an additional $86 million in awards from OVW’s Office of Tribal Affairs earlier this week.
The announcement coincides with the start of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), which focuses on expanding access to justice and services for marginalized communities while promoting best practices in addressing domestic violence. The Justice Department recognizes the efforts of first responders and victim service providers in supporting affected individuals.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, “The Justice Department is committed to ensuring the safety of all Americans, and that includes addressing and preventing the harm caused by domestic violence.” He highlighted that this year’s investment reflects a dedication to ending such forms of violence and aiding survivors.
OVW also supports training through its Training and Technical Assistance Initiative with over $39 million allocated for more than 59 projects aimed at improving responses within civil and criminal justice systems.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco remarked on three decades since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act: “Prosecutors, law enforcement, and victim service providers must be equipped to meet emerging challenges.”
The grants also align with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) weeks. Targeted grants will focus on preventing violence in higher education settings with $12.19 million allocated to college campuses nationwide through specific programs.
Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer emphasized the importance of addressing dating violence on campuses: “By empowering campuses... we can create environments where all are free to pursue their educational aspirations without fear.”
OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo added: “Every survivor... deserves access to trauma-informed services,” underscoring a commitment to eradicating gender-based violence through coordinated community responses.
Additional grant allocations include:
- Over $22.97 million for culturally specific services.
- More than $8 million for nonprofit organizations focused on culturally specific communities.
- Over $10.82 million for underserved populations.
- More than $36.09 million for rural areas.
- Over $39.29 million for legal assistance.
- More than $14.66 million for court-related programs.
- Over $1.42 million for individuals with disabilities or Deaf people.
- Grants totaling $3 million supporting Deaf victims' services.
- More than $6.87 million addressing abuse in later life.
- Over $3.35 million engaging men and boys as allies against violence.
- Grants totaling $3.6 million supporting research initiatives.
- Over $1.48 million improving campus sexual assault services.
- Grants totaling $1.5 million strengthening professional capacities via STOP Formula Training.
- Additional funds supporting specialized training programs.
Since its creation in 1995 following the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act, OVW has awarded more than $11 billion nationally to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking while supporting policy development tailored to community needs.