Local programs get federal funding to fight domestic violence

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin Wednesday announced that eight organizations in Maryland received more than five million dollars in grants from the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for efforts around the state that will help protect women and families from domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and other dating violence.

These funds are authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), originally established in 1994 and reauthorized most recently in 2006.  Senator Mikulski is Chairwoman of the Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds VAWA programs administered DOJ and OVW.

"I have absolutely no tolerance for domestic violence," said Mikulski, who is the chair of the Senate's Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Subcommittee. "As a social worker, I've seen first-hand how domestic violence hurts children and destroys families. "These funds in the federal checkbook meet a compelling human need, protecting victims, helping families heal and rebuild their lives. I will continue to fight for the Violence Against Women Act and grant programs that help protect women and their families from continued abuse."

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

"Domestic violence cannot be permitted, and this Department of Justice grant will provide important support for women and families who are struggling to escape the cycle of abuse," said Senator Cardin  "This funding will help ensure that Marylanders who are victims of domestic violence have access to counseling and other services  they need to get back on their feet again."