[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded a total of $520,643 in grants to support the establishment or enhancement of several justice system programs in Illinois.

“Today’s funding is an important investment in the Illinois justice system,” said Durbin.  “These initiatives will help promote the fair and cost-effective administration of justice, help us more quickly analyze evidence and solve crimes, and help provide vital assistance to those who have been the victims of crimes.” 

Under this announcement, the following Illinois entities and organizations will receive funding:

• Mujeres Latinas En Accion (Latin Women In Action) (Chicago, IL): was awarded $300,000 in funding through DOJ’s SASP Culturally Specific Solicitation Program.  Mujeres Latinas En Accion will use this funding to provide supportive services and counseling for victims of sexual assault, mainly Spanish-speaking women. 

• The Cadre Research Labs (Chicago, IL): was awarded $190,400 in funding through DOJ’s FY14 Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes. Cadre Research Labs will use this funding for research on forensic comparison of gun cartridge casings.

• Illinois Department of Human Services (Springfield, IL): was awarded $30,243 in funding through DOJ’s FY14 Application Guidance for Prison Rape Elimination Act Reallocation Funds for achieving compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act’s requirements. The Illinois Department of Human Services will use this funding to instruct and educate youth on sexual misconduct and reporting victimization.

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