U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah Announces $600,000 in Awarded Funding for Domestic and Sexual Violence Services

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – The need for specialized legal services is both urgent and essential for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. These services provide interventions, such as securing restraining or protective orders, that are crucial for survivor safety. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is proud to announce that the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded $600,000 in the District of Utah to provide legal services and improve the effective coordination of justice systems impacting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. 

•    OVW awarded $600,000 under the Justice for Families (JFF) Program to Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse, Inc. in the District of Utah. The JFF Program aims to improve the capacity of communities and courts to respond to families impacted by violence. 

U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins commented:

“I am pleased to announce funding from the Office on Violence Against Women for the non-profit Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse, located in Cache County, Utah. These funds will be used to assist victims of domestic and sexual violence and empower survivors.” 

“The Legal Assistance for Victims Grant, in conjunction with the Justice for Families Program and the Domestic Violence Mentor Court Technical Assistance Initiative, serve as a powerful multi-pronged strategy to transform the justice system's approach to supporting families affected by violence," stated OVW Director Rosemarie Hidalgo. "These grants enhance court-related programs, trauma-informed training, and resources, while also providing victims with specialized legal support. This includes assistance with securing protective orders and navigating complex family law matters. Collectively, these grants advance a more comprehensive approach, aimed at ensuring that survivors and their families don't merely navigate our legal system, but genuinely find a path to justice and safety.” 

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OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through implementing VAWA and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities nationwide that are developing programs, policies, and practices to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.