Topeka, Kan. — Governor Laura Kelly announced more than $1.8 million in grant awards to enhance the responsiveness of victim advocates to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, and stalking.

“We have a responsibility to do all we can to protect victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The work our law enforcement officers, victim advocate groups, and the local communities do on this front are important to ensuring justice is served and our communities are safe.”

These grants are provided through the Federal Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors Violence Against Women Act Formula Grant Program (S.T.O.P. VAWA). The program supports the efforts of communities to strengthen effective law enforcement and prosecution strategies to combat violent crimes against women, provide victim services in cases involving violent crimes against women, and promote a coordinated community response to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault/rape, and stalking.

Funds from the Federal Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) assist programs in providing victims of sexual assault with crisis intervention and accompaniment and advocacy assistance through the medical and criminal justice processes. The funds also provide educational information to survivors of sexual assault.

Funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.