U.S. Attorney’s Office Celebrates Funding Awarded For Legal Services And Improved Court Responses To Domestic And Sexual Violence

          GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The need for specialized legal services is both urgent and essential for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. These services provide interventions, such as securing restraining or protective orders, that are crucial for survivor safety. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan is proud to announce that the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded $1.783 million to statewide and local agencies in the district to provide legal services and improve the effective coordination of justice systems impacting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. 

• OVW awarded $600,000 under the Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Program to the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. The LAV Program addresses the legal needs of survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. 
• OVW awarded $1.183 million under the Justice for Families (JFF) Program, which includes $583,000 to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and $600,000 to the Child and Family Services of Northwest Michigan. The JFF Program aims to improve the capacity of communities and courts to respond to families impacted by violence. 

          “I am pleased to announce that these two organizations in the Western District of Michigan have been awarded funding from the Office on Violence Against Women,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Protecting the victims of gender-based violence and discrimination is a critical part of our mission. This funding will help our statewide and local partners and the justice system continue to support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.”

          “The Legal Assistance for Victims Grant, in conjunction with the Justice for Families Program and the Domestic Violence Mentor Court Technical Assistance Initiative, serve as a powerful multi-pronged strategy to transform the justice system's approach to supporting families affected by violence," stated OVW Director Rosemarie Hidalgo. "These grants enhance court-related programs, trauma-informed training, and resources, while also providing victims with specialized legal support. This includes assistance with securing protective orders and navigating complex family law matters. Collectively, these grants advance a more comprehensive approach, aimed at ensuring that survivors and their families don't merely navigate our legal system, but genuinely find a path to justice and safety.” 

          Following are several cases prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District concerning gender-based discrimination Muskegon Man Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison For Stalking His Ex-Wife And Possessing Firearms and U.S. Attorney Announced Justice Department Settlement In Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Michigan Landlord.

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          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.