Senator Bayh Announces $2.8 Million to Prevent Violence Against Women

Funds will strengthen victim services and bolster criminal justice programs across Indiana

May 19, 2009 -- Washington – Senator Evan Bayh today announced that Indiana will receive more than $2.8 million in funds to prevent violence against women under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) in Indianapolis will receive the funds from the Recovery Act STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program administered by the Department of Justice (DOJ). According to the ICJI, the funds will allow local jurisdictions in Indiana to hire more victim advocates and to create more training opportunities for police officers, prosecutors and other victim service providers.

“Too often in our criminal justice system, the focus is on the suspect instead of on the victim. These funds will help strengthen the services and resources available to Hoosiers who have been victims of violent crime,” said Senator Bayh.

“The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute is extremely pleased to receive this Recovery Act STOP grant. These funds will be put to good use in establishing new programs and in sustaining existing programs that serve the needs of victims in our state. These funds will clearly leave a lasting legacy on behalf of victims of crime in Indiana,” said Neil Moore, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

The grant program, part of the DOJ’s Office on Violence Against Women, aims to strengthen effective law enforcement, prosecution strategies and victim services in cases involving violent crimes against women.

Source: Senator Evan Bayh