WA Gov. Gregoire Announces $1.9 Million In Federal Recovery Funds To Combat Crimes Against Women

June 15, 2009 -- OLYMPIA – Washington Governor Chris Gregoire and the state Office of Crime Victims Advocacy has awarded $1.9 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to the STOP (Services Training Officers Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program.

STOP grants go to county criminal justice agencies and non-profit victim service programs to improve safety for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking or dating violence and enhance the criminal justice system’s support for those victims.

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Twenty-seven jobs across Washington will be retained or created as a result.

“These grants are critical in assisting our courts, law enforcement, prosecutors and communities improve services that they provide to women and families in crisis,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire.

STOP grants pay for training and other strategies that help police, prosecutors, and communities improve services for women who are victims of violent crime. These grants were awarded through a competitive process and will implement community-driven initiatives that increase victim safety and hold offenders accountable.

“We are pleased that STOP grants are part of the Recovery Act funding, recognizing that crime victims are seeking services at a dramatically higher level this year,” said Rogers Weed, the director of the state Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, which includes the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy.

The number of victims served and hours of service delivered through the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy have increased by 60 percent compared to same time last year. The office works in partnership with over 250 local agencies to provide confidential services to victims of crime.

CTED is the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington and is administering more than $200 million recovery funding.

Source: Washington Governor