The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women has awarded two grants totaling more than $1 million to provide services to youth and members of the LGBTQ community impacted by domestic violence, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County was awarded $698,529 and the Northwest Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse was awarded $402,000. Both grants are to provide services to those who have been victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.
“These grant funds will be in place for the next three years for outreach and coordination of needed services to youth, LGBTQ, tribal and other members of our community," said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. “The Department of Justice recognizes the importance of helping local service providers connect with community partners to get services to those who most need them."
The Whatcom County grant will fund the formation of community-coordinated response teams in the Blaine, Ferndale and Mt. Baker school districts. These teams will develop comprehensive policies, procedures, and protocols for a survivor-centered approach to sexual assault. The teams will conduct outreach and education for parents and community members; and will lead prevention education efforts. The teams will also recruit youth to form Safe Futures Youth Boards at each high school in each district. Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County will partner with the DV Commission, Brigid Collins Family Support Center, Northwest Youth Services, Lummi Victims of Crime, and Nooksack Tribe Family Services to provide assistance specifically targeted to homeless/runaway youth, youth who identify as LGBTQ, and Native American youth populations.
The three year grant to the Northwest Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian and Gay survivors of Abuse will continue to provide comprehensive services to LGBTQ victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking to enhance advocacy based counseling, support groups, safety planning, access to medical help, and referrals to address culturally-specific needs. Throughout the grant period, the NW Network will educate providers, inform community members, and foster new coalitions and networks to increase the capacity of the region to support underserved victims.
More information about these grants is available from the Outreach and Communications Division of the Office on Violence Against Women at (202) 307-6026.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
