Kentucky awards $1.6 million for domestic violence and sexual assault programs

April 13th, 2010 - 12:09 am ICT by BNO News  

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY (BNO NEWS) – Kentucky awarded $1.6 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus funds for 22 programs to support victims of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault, Governor Steve Beshear and Congressman John Yarmuth announced on Monday.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grants promote a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to enhancing advocacy and improving the criminal justice system’s response to violent crimes against women.

“Even with vigorous enforcement against perpetrators, victims of domestic violence and sexual assault may have many related legal, economic and social issues that these funds help address by providing shelter, support and other vital services,” Governor Beshear said.

“Nearly one-third of all American women report being abused at some point in their lives – a tragic figure that has a toll on our families, communities and economy,” said Congressman John Yarmuth. “Recovery Act investments like these will go a long way toward protecting Louisville families and providing financial security.”

One of the funded projects is an electronic communications system to review and approve domestic violence and emergency protection orders (EPO). This system will be piloted in Jefferson County with the potential to be expanded statewide. It will vastly speed up the approval of the orders, which under the current system can take hours or even days to execute.

“This system will not only improve efficiency, but will heighten accountability and strengthen the community safety net of protection for victims of domestic violence.” Governor Beshear stated.

Related Stories

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in World News |

Subscribe