Department of Justice awards nearly $8 million to Washington Tribes, non-profits, and government entities to combat domestic violence

Press Release

More than $4.5 million to tribes for services to victims

Seattle - The Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women has awarded nearly $8 million to Western Washington tribal nations, non-profits, and government programs to provide services for victims of domestic violence, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. The grants are paid out over multi-year periods.

"These federal dollars support the strong work done in our state to protect the vulnerable," said U.S. Attorney Gorman. "Native American women suffer domestic violence at a higher rate than other communities, so I am pleased to see the impactful programs our tribal partners are supporting with this funding."

The Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe in Kitsap County was awarded $1 million for its program that provides advocacy, legal services, housing, and safety planning for victims of domestic violence.

The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe in east King County was awarded $998,595 to increase their supervised visit program, no cost civil legal services for survivors, as well as advocacy and support efforts.

Both the Quileute Tribe and the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation were awarded $650,000 for victim services such as housing, transportation, advocacy and legal assistance. The Chehalis will also provide education and training to 75 young people on dating violence and healthy relationships.

The Makah Tribe was awarded $425,000 for its Domestic Violence Program to better respond to violence, stalking, sex trafficking and sexual assault. Funding will help develop prevention and education programs.

The Washington State Native American Coalition against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault received two grants totaling $796,335 for education and training for all 29 federally recognized Tribes in the state on ways to combat domestic violence, sexual assault and trafficking of Native women. The funding also supports the WomenSpirit Coalition, providing domestic violence and sexual assault services in Tribal communities.

Pierce County received $1 million to improve the criminal response to domestic violence. The money will support victim outreach and support for victims at legal hearings, as well as creation of a policy and procedure handbook for advocates.

King County Sexual Assault Resource Center was awarded $803,741 to identify gaps in legal advocacy and to work with other entities such as the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, the Atlantic Street Center and El Centro de la Raza to develop coordinated responses with system-based improvements.

The Seattle City Attorney's Office was awarded $500,000 to enhance investigation and prosecution of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In partnership with the YWCA of King and Snohomish Counties, the funds will support an investigator position and trainings for Seattle Police Officers.

The Domestic Abuse Women's Network (Dawn) in South King County was awarded $300,000 to provide shelter beds for victims who also need to shelter their pets.

The Family Support Center of South Sound was awarded $499,915 to improve advocacy services in Thurston, Mason, and Lewis Counties. The funds may pay for a dedicated domestic violence detective as well as law enforcement training.

Finally, both the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs of Kennewick, Washington ($252,846) and the Washington State Coalition against Domestic Violence ($114,533) in Seattle, received grants for statewide coordination and education programs.

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Updated September 26, 2024