The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin has announced nearly $4 million in grants to address violent crimes against women and enhance victim services for domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
According to the office, the Wisconsin Department of Justice will receive $3,030,186 through the STOP (Services, Training, Officers, Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program. This program was established under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994 and has been reauthorized by later legislation. The funding is intended to foster collaboration among law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, and victim service organizations with a focus on improving safety for victims and ensuring accountability for offenders.
“The goal of the grant program is to develop and strengthen law enforcement, prosecution, and court strategies to combat violent crimes against women and to develop and strengthen victim services, including community based, culturally specific services, in cases involving domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking,” stated the announcement from federal authorities.
In addition to this grant, the Wisconsin Department of Justice is also set to receive $954,705 under the Sexual Assault Services Formula Program (SAS Formula Program). Created by the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (VAWA 2005), this program provides states with resources to support rape crisis centers as well as nonprofit organizations that deliver core services and direct assistance to sexual assault victims.
“Funds provided through the SAS Formula Program are designed to supplement other funding sources directed at addressing sexual assault on the state and territorial levels. Rape crisis centers and other nonprofit organizations, such as dual programs providing domestic violence and sexual assault intervention services, play a vital role in assisting sexual assault victims through the healing process, as well as assisting victims through the medical, criminal justice, and other social support systems,” according to officials.
These federal grants are part of ongoing efforts by government agencies at both state and national levels aimed at supporting survivors while strengthening responses across justice systems.
