The US Attorney for the District of Wyoming, in collaboration with the US Department of Justice and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), has announced the distribution of $1,483,668 in grants to combat domestic violence and assist victims in Wyoming, Wyoming News Now reports.
The grants come as part of October’s observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and will support efforts to address intimate partner violence and provide critical services for survivors and their families across the state.
Domestic violence is a widespread issue in Wyoming, affecting individuals from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, race, or socio-economic status. Statistics indicate that one in four women and one in seven men will experience severe domestic violence at some point in their lives, with rates disproportionately higher among marginalized groups such as American Indian and Alaska Native populations, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
The following grants were awarded to Wyoming-based organizations to enhance efforts to combat violence and support victims:
- The Wyoming Attorney General’s Office received $833,657 through the STOP (Services, Training, Officers, Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program, which aims to strengthen law enforcement, prosecution, and court strategies to address violent crimes against women. The funds will also support victim services, including culturally specific services, and will assist the newly designated special prosecutor in Fremont County.
- The Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault was awarded $367,379 for the State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program. This grant will aid in coordinating victim services and fostering collaboration among federal, state, and local entities involved in addressing violence against women.
- The Northern Arapaho Tribe received $282,632 through the OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside (TVSSA) Formula Program, which is aimed at implementing services that meet the specific needs of tribal communities and reflect their values and traditions. This funding, part of the Crime Victims Fund, was established to improve services for victims of crime in tribal areas.
These grants will support crucial efforts to reduce violence, hold offenders accountable, and provide essential resources for victims and survivors throughout Wyoming.
