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Rep. Williams, The SAFE Alliance Applaud $1.1 Million DOJ Awards to Protect Underserved Populations Impacted by Violence

September 4, 2020

AUSTIN, TX Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX-25) today applauded $1.1 million in awards for The SAFE Alliance in Austin, TX from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The organization will receive $450,000 from the Grants for Outreach and Services to Underserved Populations Program and $650,000 from the Justice for Families Program.

"I am pleased The SAFE Alliance will be receiving this grant from the DOJ thanks to its authorization under VAWA. It is critical that agencies like The SAFE Alliance receive the resources necessary to most effectively serve survivors as they begin the healing process and regain their independence," said Congressman Williams. "I supported VAWA's passage in the House to protect millions of women from domestic violence and sexual assault, and to help authorize programs under the DOJ that equip agencies to better support victims of unspeakable cruelty."

"SAFE is so pleased to receive this funding from OVW, which will allow us to continue to provide 500 supervised visitations & 300 safe exchanges of children by and between parents in situations involving violence; this ensures that parents can maintain relationships with their children in a safe space. It will also enhance SAFE services for abuse survivors who are Deaf or have disabilities – which is imperative since both populations are disproportionately impacted by violence and abuse," said The SAFE Alliance.

The $450,000 award from the DOJ's Grants for Outreach and Services to Underserved Populations Program will be used for staff training, updating the Texas School for the Deaf protocol for sexual assaults, developing protocol on sheltering survivors who require personal attendant care, law enforcement training, holistic healing classes for individuals with disabilities and Deaf survivors, and providing advocacy and counseling in American Sign Language for Deaf survivors.

The $650,000 award from the DOJ's Justice for Families Program will be used to continue providing supervised visitation and safe exchange services to at least 75 families a year; conduct multi-disciplinary Consulting Committee meetings to strengthen services; provide legal assistance to at least 20 victims per year, including follow-up support and guidance on legal issues; hire an advocate to assist victims, before, during, and after court proceedings; and enhance education and outreach to domestic violence survivors seeking protection orders.

Congressman Roger Williams represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas and serves as a member of the House Committee on Financial Services.