Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) announced the awarding of a $49,605 grant for the Village of Spring Valley’s Domestic Violence Justice Court.  The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Violence Against Women and is part of the Court Training and Improvements Program created in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 2005.

Last November, Rep. Engel joined with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand to urge the DOJ to maintain funding for Spring Valley. 

“Every year hundreds of Rockland families are helped in dealing with the emotional and physical consequences of domestic violence. Needless to say, the lives saved or enhanced has been immeasurable.  With the sad trend of increased domestic violence times of economic stress, the need to keep a fully-funded Domestic Violence Justice Court may never be greater,” said Rep. Engel.  “I am very pleased to be able to ensure continued funding for the program through the DOJ grant.”

The Domestic Violence Justice Court has been helping victims cope with and recover from domestic violence since 1995. Along with partnering agencies, they annually serve 550 domestic violence victims.  The court addresses cases involving sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

Rep. Engel added, “I applaud the work done by the Spring Valley Domestic Violence Justice Court in helping people in great need.  I will keep searching for additional funding to continue the good work they are doing now, and for years to come.”

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