The Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women has awarded a total of $2,130,000 in grants to the Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response Center, Baton Rouge City Office of the Treasurer, and Louisiana Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney Kurt L. Wall announced on May 6.
The funding is intended to strengthen efforts against domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the region. The grants aim to support victims by improving responses from law enforcement and providing specialized services.
The Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response (STAR) Center received $1,200,000 for its Criminal Justice Response Program. This program assists state, local, and tribal governments as well as courts in enhancing their response to cases involving domestic violence and related crimes. The project will provide medical or law enforcement accompaniment for victims during crises; follow-up calls after acute incidents; advocacy services that connect survivors with resources; court accompaniment; and training for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners.
The Baton Rouge City Office of the Treasurer was awarded $500,000 while the Louisiana Department of Justice received $430,000. Both agencies will use these funds to continue work under the Abby Honold Program. This initiative focuses on improving law enforcement’s handling of allegations through evidence-based training that emphasizes trauma-informed and victim-centered approaches throughout investigations.
According to officials involved with these programs, continued education for covered individuals is expected to improve outcomes for crime victims by ensuring their rights are respected at every stage. For further details about these awards or related initiatives, interested parties may contact the Office on Violence Against Women at 202-307-6026.
