The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced on April 2 that it is joining the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office on Violence Against Women, communities nationwide, and Tribal nations to observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April.
The observance highlights ongoing efforts to prevent sexual violence and support survivors across the region. In Fiscal Year 2025, more than $5.6 million was awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to Wisconsin grantees through several grant programs aimed at addressing sexual assault and related crimes.
These grants support initiatives such as the Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program, Legal Assistance for Victims Program, and Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program.
“Survivors of sexual assault deserve safety, dignity, and justice,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Schimel. “The U.S. Attorney’s Officeis committed to supporting and seeking justice for survivors. We will continue to work with our federal, state and local partners to ensure survivors find a justice system that is compassionate and ready to help provide for their safety and healing.”
The Department of Justice funds essential victim services through its grants program. Organizations supported by OVW or the Department’s Office for Victims of Crime operate a range of services for victims of sexual assault in Wisconsin. Available resources include the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), StrongHearts Native Helpline at 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483), as well as a “Resources for Survivors” page on OVW’s website listing state coalitions that can direct victims toward local help.
Community members are encouraged by officials to learn about sexual assault issues in order to better support friends, family members, coworkers or neighbors who may be affected.
