HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) recently unveiled a $12 million federal grant program. The funding, earmarked for strengthening local responses to violence and enhancing support for victims, sets the stage for a more robust defense against abuse in the Keystone State.
The Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors (STOP) Violence Against Women Formula Grants represent a lifeline for county governments and non-profit victim service agencies battling against domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The PCCD’s initiative underscores the urgency of these issues and the critical role of education, prevention, and intervention in addressing them.
“PCCD is proud to support communities in their efforts to come together to develop and strengthen effective responses to domestic violence,” said PCCD Executive Director Mike Pennington. “The education, prevention, intervention, and cross-system coordination provided by county STOP teams are critical in curbing abuse and violence in Pennsylvania.”
The STOP funding, authorized under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), will provide resources to county STOP teams. These teams, composed of representatives from victim services, law enforcement, prosecution, and the courts, work collaboratively to safeguard victims and hold offenders accountable.
Each county recipient of STOP must allocate 25 percent of grant funds to law enforcement, 25 percent to prosecution, and 30 percent to victim services. The remaining 15 percent is discretionary but must be used within the parameters of VAWA.
County governments and non-profit victim service agencies can apply for up to $125,000 to support 12-month projects. The PCCD anticipates funding up to 32 grants under this solicitation. Applications should be forwarded to ra-ovsstopgrants@pa.gov with “STOP Formula Grant 2025-2027” in the subject line, must be submitted by close of business on May 1, 2024.
The goals and objectives of this solicitation stem from Pennsylvania’s STOP Violence Against Women Program FFY 2022-2025 Implementation Plan. The scoring of competitive applications will consider how well the proposed project aligns with the goals, objectives, and priorities outlined in the implementation plan.
This funding is a crucial weapon in Pennsylvania’s fight against domestic violence. It represents more than just financial support; it signifies the state’s commitment to ensuring safety and justice for victims. The potential implications are profound: improved victim services, stronger law enforcement responses, and more effective prosecution of offenders.
By empowering local communities and service agencies, this initiative can help create safer environments for Pennsylvanians and foster a culture that does not tolerate violence. As the state continues to grapple with these pervasive issues, the STOP grant program serves as a beacon of hope for victims and a clear warning to offenders: Pennsylvania is taking a stand against violence.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.