The Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has released more than $114 million in formula awards to 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories to support comprehensive strategies addressing violence against women, announced Cindy Dyer, Director of OVW. The STOP (Services, Training, Officers, Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program (STOP Program) supports a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to stopping and responding to crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.

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“The STOP formula program, one of OVW’s oldest grant programs, provides critical support to each state to enhance services to victims,” said Director Dyer. “Central to OVW’s mission is the strengthening of local efforts across the country. This funding to communities will improve coordination between law enforcement, prosecution and courts, and strengthen victim services.”

STOP formula grants are intended for use by states and territories; state, local and tribal courts (including juvenile courts); Indian tribal governments; local governments; and nonprofit, nongovernment victim services programs. Recipients are required to meet one or more of 14 statutory purpose areas. These areas include, but are not limited to:

  • training law enforcement officers, judges, court personnel and prosecutors;
  • developing, enlarging or strengthening victim services programs;
  • developing, installing or expanding data collection; and
  • developing, enlarging or strengthening programs addressing stalking.

By statute, OVW awards a base amount of $600,000 in STOP funds to each state. Funds remaining after the allocated base amount are distributed among the states based on population. The most accurate and complete data compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau is used to determine the state populations. Indian tribal populations are not included in the population count. Attached is a list of the awards. More information about STOP can be found at www.ovw.usdoj.gov.

The Office on Violence Against Women provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence against women through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In addition to overseeing 12 federal grant programs, OVW often undertakes initiatives in response to areas of special need, dedicating resources to develop enhancements in areas requiring particular attention or in communities facing particularly acute challenges.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice