ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez announced today that, in commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the original enactment of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Department of Justice awarded a $1,464,308.00 grant to the New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission as part of VAWA’s signature program, STOP (Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grants Program. The program awards funds to every U.S. state and territory to promote a coordinated community response among law enforcement, prosecution, courts, victim services organizations, and other community services to ensure the safety of survivors and the development of programs to end gender-based violence and hold offenders accountable.
“Prior to the enactment of VAWA, survivors were primarily left to fend for themselves, often cycling in and out of dangerous environments with little help from legal systems or service providers.” OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo said. “VAWA has changed this landscape by supporting a coordinated community response to address domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking in a more comprehensive manner. It emphasizes survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and community-based approaches and ensures that services are available across every state and territory.”
“The bravery of survivors makes justice possible,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “They report crimes at tremendous personal risk, they flee the safety of shelter and familiarity, and they courageously testify against their abusers in open court. And, in doing so, they protect others from the violence of their abusers. As a community, we owe these women support outside of the courtroom. With this grant, the Department of Justice lives up to our promise to center the experiences of survivors, keep them safe, and help them heal.”
“The New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission is grateful for the continued support from the Department of Justice, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for the STOP (Services, Training Officers, and Prosecutors) formula grant funding on the 29th anniversary of the enactment,” said Frank Zubia, Director of the New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission. “The 15% financing increase of $1,464,308. is vital as most states prepare for the impending VOCA cuts. This funding promotes a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to improving the criminal justice system’s response by creating community partnerships between law enforcement, prosecution, the courts, victim advocates, and service organizations to enhance victim safety for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.”
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. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
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