State receives funding for sexual assault response

The U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) recently awarded $899,927 to the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services (FRIS). 

This funding, authorized by the Violence Against Women Act, is through the Improving Criminal Justice Responses to Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Grant Program (Arrest Program), which supports local efforts to create a quick, holistic response to these crimes and their accompanying victims.  

“Access to support services in addition to law enforcement is essential in helping victims of sexual assault and domestic violence recover,” said U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito. “Unfortunately, these services are even more critical in West Virginia in order to deal with the crimes that accompany drug trafficking and addiction. This funding will help West Virginia FRIS address these issues and strengthen our communities by coordinating with law enforcement to take a holistic approach towards helping victims." 

U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin added, "Sexual assault is a horrific and devastating crime and survivors deserve every resource to begin recovering from the physical and emotional trauma. The development of a statewide Sexual Assault Response Team is an important step in ensuring every West Virginian has access to these resources."