Applications for $1.8 million in grant funding to fight sexual assault and domestic violence are now open.
According to the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs, nearly 1 in 2 Kentucky women (39.1%) and 1 in 5 Kentucky men (18.3%) are victims of sexual violence.
Grants from this program may be used to strengthen law enforcement, prosecution, judicial strategies and victim services when it comes to cases of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Awarded funds will flow from the federal Office on Violence Against Women, a component of the U.S. Department of Justice.
In late July, the governor’s office announced that money is available through the federal Violence Against Women Act Services, Training, Officers, Prosecution Formula Grant Program.
According to the governor’s office, 30% of the money will go to direct victim advocacy services; 25% is allocated to prosecution; 25% to law enforcement; 15% to discretionary programs; and 5% to courts.
Gov. Andy Beshear’s office wants the grants to target projects that serve or focus on adults and youth who are victims of domestic violence or sexual assault, according to a statement from his office.
“Survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault often face barriers in their journey toward justice and healing. It is critical that victims can easily access the support, advocates and services they need to ensure their safety and well-being, both in the immediate and long-term,” Beshear said, adding that these programs will increase access to “essential” services at “no extra cost to themselves.”
The application deadline for these grants is Thursday, Sept. 15. Further guidance on the grant applications is available at justice.ky.gov.