The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin has announced nearly $4 million in federal grants aimed at combating violent crimes against women and enhancing victim services across the state.
According to the office, the Wisconsin Department of Justice will receive $3,030,186 through the STOP (Services, Training, Officers, Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program. This program was first authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994 and has been reauthorized by later legislation. The STOP Formula Grant Program is designed to foster collaboration among law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, and victim service organizations. Its goal is to improve strategies for addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking while also strengthening services for victims.
Additionally, the Wisconsin Department of Justice has been awarded $954,705 under the Sexual Assault Services Formula Program (SAS Formula Program). Established by the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (VAWA 2005), this program provides funding to states and territories to support rape crisis centers and nonprofit organizations that offer direct intervention and assistance to victims of sexual assault. These funds are intended to supplement other resources dedicated to supporting sexual assault victims at both state and territorial levels.
“Rape crisis centers and other nonprofit organizations, such as dual programs providing domestic violence and sexual assault intervention services, play a vital role in assisting sexual assault victims through the healing process, as well as assisting victims through the medical, criminal justice, and other social support systems,” according to information provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The new grants are part of ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address violent crimes against women through enhanced partnerships and expanded victim support services.
