$500,000 for Violence Response Programs

The Commonwealth’s Criminal Justice Planning Agency is receiving $500,000, the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women announced Tuesday. The funding, awarded through the Grants to Improve the Criminal Justice Response Program, will support efforts to strengthen the Commonwealth’s response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking cases. Grant funds may be used towards an audit of policies and procedures; specialized training for law enforcement on victim-centered investigations, evidence collection, protection order enforcement, and victim confidentiality; enhanced investigative efforts; an audit of untested sexual assault kits and the development of processing protocols; and expanded victim services. Congratulations to CJPA.