Thursday, 4:30 PM
$5 million in funding announced to combat domestic violence
By Globe Staff
More than $5 million in state and federal money will be used to fund domestic violence prevention programs, Governor Deval Patrick announced today to mark the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Patrick also ordered the state's Sexual and Domestic Violence Council to explore successful domestic violence prevention programs and create a set of best practice recommendations that can be implemented across the Commonwealth.
"By all accounts, domestic violence is on the rise in Massachusetts. We are feeling the impact on families and in social services everywhere," Patrick in a statement. "We need to step up, working together in state government and with family members, friends and neighbors, to put an end to this tragedy."
The governor made the announcement this afternoon at the State House as he was joined by his wife, Diane.
"It is important for us to take note of and honor those who care and advocate for victims and survivors of domestic violence -- and not just in October, but every day throughout the year, because they work tirelessly, every day and every night, throughout the year," Diane Patrick said in a statement. "We must celebrate their accomplishments and do all we can to support their ongoing work."
The $5 million for domestic violence prevention includes:
• $1.3 million in federal funds to improve the response of police departments to domestic violence and sexual abuse incidents through new veteran and recruit training programs.
• $900,000 in federal funds for the Massachusetts Rural Domestic and Sexual Violence Project to provide services to rural children and families affected by domestic and dating violence, and to organize and implement sexual and domestic violence prevention initiatives in five counties in rural Massachusetts over the next two years.
• $500,000 in state money to support strategies that most effectively reach women at imminent risk of serious harm, including homicide.
• $500,000 in state money for emergency housing stabilization funding for quick, flexible cash assistance to prevent families from becoming homeless due to domestic violence.
