09.28.16

Durbin Announces $1.7 Million To Combat Violence Against Women

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded Illinois agencies and organizations grants totaling $1,798,279 to prevent, combat, and investigate sexual assault and violence against women.
 
“Today’s funding will help ensure that Illinois’ organizations and agencies have access to critical funding and resources to assist victims of sexual assault, sex trafficking, and domestic violence,” said Durbin. “This important investment provides valuable and potentially lifesaving support to vulnerable individuals and underserved communities across Illinois in their time of need. I am proud to fight for critical funding side-by-side with our partners in the state to ensure that Illinois is a safe and healthy environment to live.”
 
Under this announcement, the following entities received funding from the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women:
 
·         Illinois Attorney General: $498,355 to implement and oversee the Regional Rural Sexual Assault Response Team within five counties in the central and western region of Illinois.
·        International Organization for Adolescents (Chicago): $299,925 to partner with Courtney’s House to provide a comprehensive array of specialized training and technical assistance services focused on children and youth victims of sex trafficking.
·         Alliance of Local Service Organizations (Chicago): $999,999 to develop, expand, and strengthen outreach and services, and improve trainings for multi-disciplinary stakeholders that target members of underserved communities who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.