Justice Department Awards $900,000 to Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians to Support Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Jackson, Miss. - The U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has awarded $900,000 to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians to support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, announced U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee.

The grant was awarded through the OVW Tribal Governments Program, which provides funding to tribes to develop and enhance effective governmental strategies to curtail violent crimes against and increase the safety of Indian women.

The funds will support the Family Violence and Victims Program, an agency of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Tribal Government, which provides shelter and support services for Choctaw women who are victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.

"This DOJ grant will assist the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians with reducing domestic violence and other violent crime through collaboration with community organizations, tribal law enforcement, and prosecutors," said U.S. Attorney Gee.

"The Family Violence and Victim Services program, a vital initiative within our Department of Family & Community Services, plays a crucial role in supporting individuals during their most vulnerable moments," said Chief Cyrus Ben of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. "This grant will enable us to sustain and enhance our efforts in the community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Department of Justice for this generous award, which allows us to continue our important work."

Additional information about the Office on Violence Against Women can be found at www.justice.gov/ovw.