ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez announced the Department of Justice marked the 29th anniversary of the original enactment of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) by awarding a substantial grant of $1,464,308.00 to the New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission. This funding is part of VAWA’s flagship initiative, the STOP (Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grants Program, aimed at bolstering efforts to combat gender- based violence across the United States.
VAWA, a landmark piece of legislation, was pivotal in reshaping the response to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Prior to its enactment, survivors often found themselves navigating perilous circumstances with minimal support from legal systems and service providers.
‘The bravery of survivors makes justice possible,’ emphasized 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, the recipient of this substantial grant, expressed gratitude for the continued support from the Department of Justice and VAWA. Frank Zubia, Director of the Commission, underscored the grant’s importance, stating, ‘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.’
The STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grants Program, which is a critical component of VAWA, allocates funds to all U.S. states and territories with the goal of fostering a coordinated community response involving law enforcement, prosecution, courts, victim services organizations, and other community services. This approach aims to ensure the safety of survivors while simultaneously developing programs to eradicate gender- based violence and hold offenders accountable.
OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo lauded the impact of VAWA, stating, ‘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. 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 survivorcentered, trauma-informed, and community-based approaches and ensures that services are available across every state and territory.’
The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) is at the forefront of implementing VAWA and related legislation, providing leadership in enhancing the nation’s capacity to combat violence. Established in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities nationwide as they develop programs, policies, and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW initiates special projects in response to unique community needs and challenges.
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