ST. LOUIS – The need for specialized legal services is both urgent and essential for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. These services provide interventions, such as securing restraining or protective orders, that are crucial for survivor safety. U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming is proud to announce that the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded $869,540 to the Eastern District of Missouri to provide legal services and improve the effective coordination of justice systems impacting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
•OVW awarded $719,540 under the Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Program to the Crime Victim Advocacy Center of St. Louis. The LAV Program addresses the legal needs of survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
•OVW awarded $150,000 under the Domestic Violence Mentor Court Technical Assistance Initiative to St. Louis County. The initiative recognizes well-established specialized courts and enables them to guide newly established specialized courts and court-based programs that wish to significantly improve their responses to domestic violence cases and ensure victim safety and offender accountability.
“I’m very pleased that this money will be available for the vital work of supporting women who are the victims of domestic and other forms of violence, both in and out of the court system,” said U.S. Attorney Fleming.
“The Legal Assistance for Victims Grant, in conjunction with the Justice for Families Program and the Domestic Violence Mentor Court Technical Assistance Initiative, serve as a powerful multi-pronged strategy to transform the justice system’s approach to supporting families affected by violence,” stated OVW Director Rosemarie Hidalgo. “These grants enhance court-related programs, trauma-informed training, and resources, while also providing victims with specialized legal support. This includes assistance with securing protective orders and navigating complex family law matters. Collectively, these grants advance a more comprehensive approach, aimed at ensuring that survivors and their families don’t merely navigate our legal system, but genuinely find a path to justice and safety.”