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| SAFE PASSAGE $700,000 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GRANT TO HELP POLYGAMOUS VICTIMS | ||
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Nearly $700,000 is now available to help domestic violence victims from polygamous and rural communities in Utah and Arizona. Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice approved a unique grant to help victims living in "under served" areas.
The Safe Passage Program will provide additional law enforcement, social services, legal aid, housing, transportation and extended hours for a domestic violence hotline. The program will help victims overcome barriers caused by geographic isolation, poverty, strong social and cultural pressures and lack of available services. "No matter where you live or what you believe, domestic violence affects everyone. This grant will make it possible to reach the most vulnerable victims and make sure they have the same access to help," says Shurtleff. The Justice Department's Office of Violence Against Women allocated $698,636 to be used for the next two years. The Utah Attorney General's Office is the fiscal agent for the grant but will partner with the Utah Division of Child and Family Services, Utah Domestic Violence Council, DOVE Center, Washington County Sheriff's Office, St. George Police Department, Utah Legal Services and the Mohave County Sheriff's Office in Arizona. Here's a breakdown of what the grant will do: Coordination & Training The Division of Child and Family Services will hire a program manager. The manager will coordinate training for social service providers and law enforcement officers so they are better prepared to assist victims from polygamous backgrounds. He or she will work with partners on all other aspects of the grant. "Few services have been available for people fleeing domestic violence in Utah's more rural areas. We're happy that the grant will give us a chance to help individuals who have had a hard time accessing services," says DCFS Director Richard Anderson. Legal Services Utah Legal Services will receive funds to provide legal services to victims who need assistance with contested divorce and custody cases. "As men and women leave or are forced from these sheltered communities, they often face important legal decisions and issues without any resources to secure help. This grant will make it possible to assist these victims in their time of greatest need," says Executive Director of Utah Legal Services Anne Milne. Hotline Utah's Domestic Violence Information and Referral Line will expand services to 24 hours, 7 days a week. The Info Line is currently staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Utah Domestic Violence Council and Info Line staff members will work with the program manager so victims get the help they need. "This grant will be a tremendous resource for domestic violence shelter programs in meeting the increasing needs for families experiencing abuse. Outreach and services to families never before served will be a proactive step in stopping abuse," says UDVC Executive Director Judy Kasten Bell. Safety The St. George Police Department will provide additional patrol and victim advocate services in the area. The Washington County Sheriff's Office will hire an additional deputy and purchase a vehicle to increase services in Hildale, Utah and Colorado City, Arizona. "We are excited to receive this grant. We are hoping that our citizens that reside in this area will get to know our deputies better and feel confident that we can help if they need any assistance," says Washington County Sheriff Kirk Smith. Shelter & Transportation The DOVE Center in St. George will hire an additional social service worker to assist victims and their children. The shelter will also upgrade its security system. A fund will be available to help victims beyond a shelter stay. Additional money is available to cover costs incurred when the Mohave County Sheriff's Office in Arizona transports victims to services in St. George. "Domestic violence is an equal opportunity victimizer. This timely grant will help to strengthen and enhance our efforts in reaching an under served population," says DOVE Center Executive Director Lynda Whitlock. Public Education The Utah Attorney General's Office will work with partners to create and launch a public awareness campaign about available services. The campaign will look at alternative methods to get the message out because many of the victims may not have access to traditional forms of media. All funds have been designated for specific purposes and cannot be allocated to areas outside the grant proposal. Here's a breakdown of what the grant cannot do:
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attorneygeneral.utah.gov Originally published August 30, 2004 | ||
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