Aug 25, 2023
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the approval of an Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) grant totaling $51,860,858 to provide support for victims of sexual assault. The grant, confirmed via a Tuesday DOJ press release, will offer services to survivors of sexual violence in:
The sexual assault survivor grant is deemed a “significant increase” by the DOJ. In fact, when compared to last year’s funding, the new $51.86 million figure is 45% higher than the funds allocated to victims of sexual violence in 2022.
In remarks at the National Sexual Assault Conference in San Francisco, California. OVW Principal Deputy Director Allison Randall announced the 56 Sexual Assault Services Formula Grant Program (SASP) awards. The multi-million dollar funds are made available through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
“It is critically important that all victims of sexual assault are able to access support and safety. Research shows that the need for that support is substantial across our nation: more than half of women and nearly one-third of men experience sexual violence in their lifetimes, which is a truly staggering number,” Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said. “This significant release of SASP funds reflects our unwavering resolve to combat sexual assault. It represents our dedication to supporting rape crisis centers and other organizations that provide trauma-informed services and counseling, training advocates and ensuring that every survivor receives assistance tailored to their unique needs. We’re not just investing in services; we’re investing in dignity, healing and justice for every survivor.”
“While we face significant challenges as a nation in preventing and addressing sexual assault, the increased resources for these programs through SASP funds underscore our dedication to centering the voices of survivors and enhancing services and support,” Office of Violence Against Women Director Rosie Hidalgo said. “We at the Office on Violence Against Women recognize the importance of strengthening a robust community-wide response in aiding survivors of sexual violence. This collective effort ensures that survivors are not just heard, but that they are fully supported in accessing safety, healing and justice. I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to service providers, advocates, coalitions and especially survivors. Their relentless work, bravery and dedication in preventing and addressing sexual violence are not just commendable but essential.”
In 2005, Congress authorized the first Sexual Assault Services Formula Grant Program (SASP) awards in the VAWA Reauthorization. SASP is the nation’s first federal funding stream dedicated to providing direct intervention and related assistance to victims of sexual assault, according to the DOJ’s statement.
“OVW administers SASP funding according to a statutorily determined, population-based formula. States and territories, in turn, sub award the funds to rape crisis centers and other nonprofit, nongovernmental or Tribal agencies that provide direct intervention and related services to adult, youth and child victims of sexual assault.”
OVW administers discretionary grant programs, many of which fund sexual assault services.
Additionally, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies, and practices aimed at ending:
In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges.
To learn more about grant eligibility, please visit www.justice.gov/ovw.
Dordulian Law Group (DLG) is a leading national sexual assault and abuse firm helping survivors throughout California and across the nation secure the justice they deserve. We believe all sexual assault survivors and fight tirelessly to ensure that maximized financial damages awards are obtained through your settlement or verdict.
DLG’s founder, Sam Dordulian, previously served a sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County. As a proven litigator. Dordulian’s extensive experience prosecuting sex offenders helped him understand how survivors of sexual assault often need additional resources and support beyond the very best legal expertise.
When he founded DLG, Dordulian created a Sex Crimes Division which includes a SAJE Team (Sexual Assault Justice Experts) of professionals offering a 24/7 support network that survivors are able to access at any point throughout the legal process.
Our Sexual Assault Justice Experts are standing y 24/7 to help survivors secure justice. Contact our top-rated attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.
With DLG, survivors have four tiers of legal representation and support:
Our Sexual Assault Justice Experts are here to help survivors secure justice. Contact our top-rated attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.
Contact us today at 866-GO-SEE-SAM to discuss your sexual assault case.
Sam Dordulian is an award-winning sexual abuse lawyer with over 25 years' experience helping survivors secure justice. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County, he secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. Mr. Dordulian currently serves on the National Leadership Council for RAINN.
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