Last week, Gov. Andy Beshear announced more than $2 million in grant funding to 33 agencies to combat sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking as well as to enhance victim services.
The announcement came as Independence police revealed they’d arrested a man who is accused of killing his live-in girlfriend just over a year after he was arrested for assaulting her, a charge he later pleaded guilty to.
The governor said it is unacceptable that, on average, 20 people per minute are abused by an intimate partner in the United States. In Kentucky, more than 41% of women and 26% of men experience intimate partner physical violence or rape in their lifetimes, he said.
“Victims have suffered unimaginable trauma, and our state should do everything possible to provide the highest level of resources, safest shelters and quality treatment for all survivors,” Beshear said.
The federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Services, Training, Officers, Prosecution (STOP) Formula Grant Program funds are received from the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice. OVW requires state administrating agencies to allocate 25% for law enforcement, 25% for prosecutors, 30% for victim services, 5% for state and local courts and 15% for discretionary distribution.
“It will take all of us fighting together to say enough is enough and stop these horrific crimes from continuing to happen in the commonwealth,” Beshear said. “I promise to continue working every day to create a better, safer Kentucky for future generations.”
Accordingly, the funding should be used for projects that serve or focus on adults and youth (ages 11-24) who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking.
“VAWA funding is critical to preventing and reducing domestic and sexual violence now and into the future,” said Kerry Harvey, Justice and Public Safety Cabinet secretary. “Thank you to these 33 agencies for working together to provide support and seek justice for victims. The commonwealth is grateful to have you on Team Kentucky, and we appreciate your service.”
