Five projects in six counties will receive funding through the Oregon Department of Justice’s new Sexual Assault Services Program
Attorney General John Kroger today announced the award of five federal grants, totalling $239,865, to programs throughout the state that provide assistance and support to victims of sexual assault.
“These grants will play an essential role in the coordinated community response to sexual assault by helping victims get the immediate support they need in a time of crisis,” said Deputy Attorney General Mary Williams.
The grants are administered by the Oregon Department of Justice Crime Victims’ Services Division through its newest program, the Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP), and funded by the federal Violence Against Women Act Sexual Assault Services Program. This is the first federal funding stream dedicated solely to providing direct intervention and related assistance to adult and child victims of sexual assault.
The purpose of SASP is to provide intervention, advocacy, accompaniment and support for victims of sexual assault and their loved ones. The Program supports local efforts to help survivors heal from sexual assault trauma through direct assistance from social service organizations through the establishment, maintenance and growth of programs and projects to assist those victimized by sexual assault.
Grant recipients include:
- Battered Persons Advocacy, Douglas County – $58,799
- Catholic Charities, Multnomah County – $35,078
- Mid-Valley Women’s Crisis Center, Marion County – $45,000
- Sexual Assault Resource Center, Washington County – $52,282
- Sexual Assault Support Services, Lane County – $60,000
SASP funding will allow these local organizations to serve 250 sexual assault survivors within the first year; fund eight new positions; increase access to core sexual assault services; increase services to marginalized and underserved communities; and enhance victim accessibility to crisis hotlines.
The Oregon Department of Justice Crime Victims’ Services Division works to reduce the impact of crime on victims’ lives by supporting statewide victim services programs, promoting victims’ rights, and providing victims access to information and resources in a compassionate, responsive, and dedicated manner.
Attorney General John Kroger leads the Oregon Department of Justice. The Department’s mission is to fight crime and fraud, protect the environment, improve child welfare, promote a positive business climate, and defend the rights of all Oregonians.
Contact:
Tony Green, (503) 378-6002 tony.green@doj.state.or.us