Delaware Receives $874,000 to Combat Domestic Abuse

WASHINGTON, DC – Delaware will receive a major boost in funding to combat domestic abuse and violence against women, Senator Tom Carper announced today. With an additional $874,000 in federal grant monies, state law enforcement and advocacy groups will have access to increased resources to enhance victim safety and hold offenders accountable. “These funds equip the state with the tools they need to combat domestic abuse. Additional funding will allow our courts to more aggressively prosecute offenders,” Carper said. “We must make sure that violators are held accountable.” The grant program helps state and local governments and community-based agencies to train personnel, establish specialized domestic violence and sexual assault units, assist victims of violence, and hold perpetrators accountable. “Joe Biden has been a longtime advocate for women’s safety. His unwavering commitment has lead to increased awareness of domestic violence,” Carper said. “His dedication to securing attention and funding has lead to increased advocacy across Delaware and the nation. I join Senator Biden in his commitment to stopping violence against women.” The S*T*O*P Violence Against Women grants program was reauthorized by the Violence Against Women Act of 2000 (VAWA 2000) last October. In compliance with VAWA 2000, the Delaware Criminal Justice Council will allocate 30 percent of the funds to nonprofit victim service programs, 25 percent to law enforcement, 25 percent to prosecution, and 5 percent to the state’s courts. The remaining 15 percent will be distributed at the discretion of the state.