New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Reduce Red Tape for Programs that Provide Critical Services and[...]

For Immediate Release: 7/25/2024

Press Office | New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
[email protected]

Press Office | New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
[email protected]

More than $5.6 Million in State Funding Fully Covers Match Requirement for Community-Based Organizations, Hospitals, State Agencies, and Law Enforcement Agencies Receiving Federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Grants

State's Action Eliminates the Need for Programs to Identify Local Funding or In-Kind Contributions Totaling 25 Percent of Their Grant Awards

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and state Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) today announced they have partnered to reduce red tape for 117 programs that provide critical services and support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Working together, the agencies identified more than $5.6 million in state funding to fully cover the match requirement for community-based organizations, hospitals, state agencies, and law enforcement agencies receiving federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grants. The state's action eliminates the need for these programs to identify local funding or in-kind contributions totaling 25 percent of their grant awards.

VAWA grants totaling $6.8 million support advocacy, counseling and legal services; the salaries of nurses or other medical professionals who are specially trained to perform forensic exams on sexual assault victims; the salaries of police investigators, prosecutors and probation officers that specifically handle domestic violence and sexual assault cases; and training programs for law enforcement, judges and service providers.

Programs frequently struggle to identify local funding, personnel costs or in-kind contributions, such as volunteer hours and charitable donations, for the match. The state contribution means that programs no longer run the risk of cuts to their grants for failing to meet the requirement.

The state funding used for the federal match represents OPDV staff time and related costs dedicated to VAWA-eligible activities and eliminates the administrative burden for these programs for the current contract period with DCJS, which began Jan. 1, 2021, and ends Dec. 31, 2025, and will continue for the next VAWA contract period. DCJS plans to release a new, multiyear request for applications (RFA) in early 2025 to continue services for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The duration of those new contracts with DCJS will be included in the RFA when it is issued.

DCJS Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, "We are proud to partner with OPDV to alleviate a significant administrative burden for these programs, which provide essential services and support to victims and survivors. Together, we will continue to work on initiatives that ensure access, expand programs, and train criminal justice professionals in best practices that improve safety for victims and officers who respond to these incidents, and reduce recidivism."

OPDV Executive Director Kelli Owens said, "This funding is critical to the support of those who work tirelessly to protect and serve survivors. It removes administrative challenges that can take away time and energy that should instead be focused on immediate survivor needs. Through our partnership with DCJS, we are committed to ensuring these funds are used in a survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive way and continuing our dedication to strengthening New York's network of service providers, education and training, and ability to hold those who harm accountable."

New York State's Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7 and is available in most languages: 800-942-6906 (call), 844-997-2121 (text) or @ opdv.ny.gov (chat). The state Office of Victim Services funds and supports 239 victim assistance programs across the state that provide essential services, such as crisis counseling, support groups, case management, emergency shelter, civil legal help, and relocation assistance, among other assistance, to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes, and their families. Individuals also can visit OVS Resource Connect to find a victim assistance program in their community.

The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence is the country's only executive level state agency dedicated to the issue of gender-based violence. Follow OPDV on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

The Division of Criminal Justice Services provides critical support to all facets of the state's criminal justice system, including, but not limited to: training law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals; analyzing statewide crime and program data; providing research support; and managing criminal justice grant funding. Follow DCJS on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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