United States Attorney Ritz Celebrates Funding Awarded for Legal Services and Improved Court Responses to Domestic and Sexual Violence

Memphis, TN – Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee announced that the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded $600,000 to a community-based organization 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 the grant under the Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Program to West Tennessee Legal Services, Inc. Based in Jackson, Tennessee, West Tennessee Legal Services offers free civil legal services in 17 counties, focusing on issues that affect family safety and stability. The LAV Program addresses the legal needs of survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

“The need for specialized legal services is both urgent and essential for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz. “These services provide interventions, such as securing restraining or protective orders, that are crucial for survivor safety. I am pleased that survivors of abuse in our district will benefit from this funding – and that the Justice Department and the Office on Violence Against Women continue to prioritize protecting victims and providing them equal access to justice.”  

“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.

Read more about the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women at www.justice.gov/ovw.

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