New $3 Million Grant Initiative Will Support Anti-Sexual Assault Efforts in Bakken Region

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) will launch two new grant programs totaling $3 million to expand services to victims of sexual assault and support prosecutorial efforts. Congressman Kevin Cramer said the non-competitive grants will be available to state and local domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions that assist victims, responders, and service providers.

“These grants focus on making sure state and local authorities and organizations have the funds they need to help victims of sexual assault. Many North Dakotans have already been going above and beyond to keep their communities safe, and the additional funds should enable them to expand their efforts. My office is available to work with any organization through the application process, and I continue to be personally involved in the cause of preventing assault and keeping victims safe,” said Cramer.

The Bakken Region Initiative is split into two grants with distinct purposes. The Bakken Region Enhanced Response to Victims Initiative will focus on expanding services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking, while aiding local criminal justice systems. The Bakken Region Tribal SAUSA initiative will support the salary, travel and training costs of a Tribal Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) for the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota and the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana.

Applications for both grant solicitations are due May 28, 2014. More information is available here.