U.S. Attorney’s Office for The District of Vermont Celebrates Funding Awarded to Combat Domestic and Sexual Violence

Burlington, Vermont – 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 Vermont is proud to announce that the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded $1,350,000 to Vermont organizations that provide legal services and improve the effective coordination of justice systems impacting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. 

OVW awarded $750,000 under the Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Program to Vermont Network Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Inc. The LAV Program addresses the legal needs of survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

OVW awarded $600,000 under the Justice for Families (JFF) Program to Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, Inc. The JFF Program aims to improve the capacity of communities and courts to respond to families impacted by violence. 

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commented: “Domestic violence is destructive to families and communities and cannot be tolerated. The OVW grants announced today serve to bolster important non-prosecutorial tools to combat domestic violence in Vermont. In addition, this office, working with our partners in law enforcement, will continue to use federal statutes to hold domestic abusers accountable.” 

“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.”

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.