Established by the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, the STOP Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Program seeks to develop and implement law enforcement and prosecution strategies to effectively decrease violent crimes against women. These grants also help to develop and enhance services provided to the victims of violent crimes.
In New York, the State Division of Criminal Justice Services is responsible for coordinating VAWA funds with local agencies. Funds through VAWA provide systematic and sustained focus on permanent systems change within the New York criminal justice system, while simultaneously developing a comprehensive network of domestic violence and sexual assault victim service advocates and programs throughout New York communities.
VAWA funds may be used for multiple purposes, including:
- Comprehensive training projects (especially multi-disciplinary training).
- Specialized units such as programs in law enforcement or district attorneys' offices.
- Projects developing protocols, policies, and evaluation mechanisms.
- Projects developing data collection and communication systems.
- Sexual assault and domestic violence victim services programs.
- Projects concerning stalking; projects designed for Native American women.
- Projects addressing the needs of older, disabled, and other underserved women.
- Projects supporting statewide multidisciplinary efforts; training of sexual assault forensic medical personnel.
- Assistance for domestic violence and sexual assault victims with immigration matters.
Special consideration is given to New York applicants that address one of the following special initiatives:
- Grants to Indian Tribal Governments
- Underserved Populations
- Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel
- Collaborative Projects
For more information, see New York's Implementation Plan for Violence Against Women Formula Funds at: https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/ofpa/pdfdocs/nys_2017stop_implementation_plan_act.pdf