U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah Celebrates Funding Awarded for Community Responses to Gender-Based Violence

Salt Lake City, UT – In commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the original enactment of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Justice Department announced nearly $193 million in formula and discretionary grant awards to support crucial services and justice responses for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including $1,982,667 for the Utah Office for Victims of Crime in the District of Utah.  

For nearly three decades, VAWA provided the tools and resources to protect and serve survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. To commemorate the 29th anniversary of VAWA, 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 $1,982,667 in the District of Utah to support community responses to gender-based violence.

United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins commented: “I am pleased to announce that funding has been awarded in the District of Utah from the Office on Violence Against Women. These funds will help further advocate for the rights and needs of crime victims in Utah.” 

VAWA’s signature program is the STOP (Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grants Program, which awards funds to every U.S. state and territory to promote a coordinated community response among law enforcement, prosecution, courts, victim services organizations, and other community services to ensure the safety of survivors. OVW is awarding $1,982,667 under the STOP Program to Utah to enhance the capacity for communities across the country to develop programs to end gender-based violence and hold offenders accountable. 

“Prior to the enactment of VAWA, survivors were primarily left to fend for themselves, often cycling in and out of dangerous environments with little help from legal systems or service providers.” OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo said. “VAWA has changed this landscape by supporting a coordinated community response to address domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking in a more comprehensive manner. It emphasizes survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and community-based approaches and ensures that services are available across every state and territory.” 

###
 

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.