State Awards More Than $6.1 Million to Support Survivors and Combat Domestic Violence

INDIANAPOLIS - In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) announced more than $6.1 million in grants to organizations across the state dedicated to supporting survivors and preventing domestic violence.

"Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time to stand with survivors and reaffirm our commitment to ending abuse," said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. "Every person deserves to feel safe in their home and community. These programs do more than just help survivors of domestic violence rebuild their lives; they strengthen prevention efforts, enhance access to justice, and promote long-term healing."

Through the Services * Training * Officers * Prosecutors (STOP) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program, 49 public and nonprofit organizations will receive a combined $3.4 million to develop and enhance community responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

Established under the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 and funded by the U.S Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women, the STOP program supports coordinated efforts among law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and victim service providers.

The grants will fund a wide range of initiatives, including:

• Legal advocacy and counseling for survivors.
• Training for law enforcement, prosecutors, and court personnel.
• Enhanced victim support services.
• Expansion of culturally specific and trauma-informed programs.
• Improvements to evidence collection methods.
• Special prosecutors and investigators dedicated to handling cases involving crimes against women.

A complete list of STOP Violence Against Women award recipients is available at on.in.gov/STOPgrant.

In addition, 37 organizations will receive a combined $2.7 million through the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) grant program to provide immediate shelter, supportive services, and prevention education for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence.

The FVPSA grant is awarded to public agencies and nonprofit organizations with a proven record of addressing family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence. This year's funding will support:

• Community-based prevention and education programs.
• Emergency shelter and supportive services for victims and their dependents.
• Specialized care for children exposed to violence.

The grants were approved by the ICJI Board of Trustees in September and made available to organizations on October 1. A complete list of FVPSA award recipients is available at https://on.in.gov/FVPSA.