DOJ – Improving Criminal Justice Responses to Domestic Violence (2020)

By NLADA on November 26, 2019 • ( 0 )

Applications are due January 27, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a non-binding Letter of Intent to OVW.ICJR@usdoj.gov by January 10, 2019. This letter confirms that the applicant has registered with SAM and Grants.gov.

This program is designed to enhance law enforcement responses, targeted responses to sexual assault, coordinated community responses, enhanced prosecution responses, and improved judicial handling of cases. There is express language for legal services and advocacy (though activities are restricted).

Helpful resources

NLADA recently presented at the MIE Fundraising Conference on how civil legal aid serves victims of crime. Access the PowerPoint here.
The Justice in Government Project at American University has curated research briefs on how civil legal aid assists domestic violence survivors, elder abuse survivors and children. You can access these briefs here.
Want help making your case? The Justice Index scores and ranks states on their adoption of best practices for ensuring access to justice. Find how well your state is doing here.

Grant information

Funding Title: Improving Criminal Justice Responses to Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Grant Program

Agency Name: Department of Justice – Office on Violence Against Women

Funding Opportunity Number: OVW-2020-17563

Funding Instrument Type: Grant

Express Language for Legal Aid: Yes, but the type of legal services applicants are able to provide is restricted. The fifth purpose area for this program specifically addresses legal advocacy. Purpose Area 5 is: “To strengthen legal advocacy service programs and other victim services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including strengthening assistance to such victims in immigration matters” (p. 3).

Grant funds may only be used to provide legal representation in the context of protection order proceedings and cannot be used in matters related to family law. For more information on out-of-scope activities, see pages 6-7.

Target Population: Victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking

Expected Number of Awards: 45

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No

Estimated Total Program Funding: $53,000,000

Award ceiling: $1,250,000

Award floor: $0

Eligible applicants: States; Indian tribal governments; state and local courts (including juvenile courts); units of local government; state, tribal, or territorial domestic violence or sexual assault coalitions; and victim service providers. For information on certification of eligibility, see pages 11-12.

Current Closing Date for Applications: Applications are due January 27, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a non-binding Letter of Intent to OVW.ICJR@usdoj.gov by January 10, 2019. This letter confirms that the applicant has registered with SAM and Grants.gov.