U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes National Domestic Violence Awareness Month; Announces Justice Department Funding for Community-Based Responses

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Department of Justice joins survivors, victim service providers, advocates, and communities nationwide in recognizing National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This is a time to center the experiences of survivors, honor those who have lost their lives to domestic violence; express gratitude to the countless individuals in the movement to end violence; and raise awareness about issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As it concludes its month-long observance of DVAM, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island is proud to announce that the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has awarded approximately $1.25 million to Rhode Island service providers to bolster coordinated community responses aimed at bringing an end to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.

Data from the most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate that about 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner and reported an intimate partner violence-related impact during their lifetime. Domestic violence rates are even higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Black individuals, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals.

Nationally, the announced grants will reach Tribal nations, historically marginalized communities, underserved communities, college and university campuses, rural towns, culturally specific communities, and more. The funding prioritizes increasing access to justice, improving survivor safety, holding perpetrators accountable, and offering training and technical support to professionals addressing these crimes.

Community-based agencies in the District of Rhode Island received the following funds for the 2023 fiscal year:

• OVW awarded $232,584 to Day One and $108,034 to the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence under the State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program to enhance the coordination between courts, child protective services agencies, advocates, law enforcement, and community programs to encourage trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to domestic violence and sexual assault.

• OVW awarded $400,000 to Progresso Latino under the Sexual Assault Services Culturally Specific Program (SAS Culturally Specific Program) to support communities in establishing or expanding culturally appropriate services that address the needs of sexual assault survivors from culturally specific communities.

• OVW awarded $500,000 to Sojourner House under the Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program (Transitional Housing Program) to support programs that provide 6 to 24 months of transitional housing or housing assistance to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.

  “These grant funds from the Office on Violence Against Women are a critical part of the Department’s effort to assist our Rhode Island community partners as they support survivors and stand up for victims across our state, not just in court, but throughout their courageous efforts to carry on with their lives in the wake of violence,” commented U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.  

 “Every day, a vast network of dedicated individuals helps domestic violence survivors access multiple pathways to safety, justice, and healing,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “OVW understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing domestic violence. These funds will enable communities to increase capacity and strengthen a coordinated community approach to prevent and address violence in more comprehensive ways tailored to their communities. Together, with our grantees, we are building a future where individuals and families can live and thrive without the threat of intimate partner violence.”

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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