Objective:
The primary objective of the Violence Against Women Act is to develop and implement effective law enforcement and prosecution strategies to combat violent crimes against women as well as develop and enhance services provided to victims in cases involving violent crimes against women.

Eligible Applicants:
States are eligible to apply for the grant and may provide subgrants to state offices and agencies; public or private nonprofit organizations; units of local government; Indian tribal governments; nonprofit, nongovernmental victim services programs; and legal services programs.

Eligible Activities:
Grants and subgrants must meet one or more of the following purposes: 1) train law enforcement officers and prosecutors to identify and respond to violent crimes against women; 2) develop, train, or expand specialized units of law enforcement officers and prosecutors; 3) develop and implement more effective police and prosecution policies, protocols, orders, and services specifically dedicated to preventing, identifying and responding to violent crimes against women; 4) develop, install, or expand data collection and communication systems that link police, prosecutors, and courts or that identify and track arrests, protection orders, violations of protection orders, prosecutions, and convictions of violent crimes against women; 5) develop, enlarge, or strengthen victim service programs; 6) develop, enlarge, or strengthen programs addressing stalking; 7) develop, enlarge, or strengthen programs addressing the needs and circumstances of Indian tribes in dealing with violent crimes against women.

Grant Limits:
Subgrantees apply for funding that focuses on violent crimes against women and fulfills the objectives set out in the grant application.

Timing:
Applications for Violence Against Women Grants may be filed any time during the year. Funding decisions are made depending upon fund availability and program requirements.

Requirements:
The following requirements are necessary to apply for violence against women grants:

• Applicants must show a partnership and collaboration between law enforcement, prosecution, the courts, victim advocates and service providers.
• Applicants must describe a long range plan for continuation of services after federal grant funds have expired.
• A cash match is required unless applicant is a private, non-profit organization
• Funds are to be used for new projects or expansion or enhancement of existing projects.
• Consideration will be given regarding the population of the geographic area served and priority will be given to the areas showing the greatest need.

Funding Criteria:

• A 25 percent non-federal cash match is required.
• Projects receiving funds must provide services to women of violent crimes or assist in developing and implementing training and policies for law enforcement, prosecution, and the courts in preventing and responding to violent crimes against women including sexual assault and domestic violence.
• Compliance Requirements: All violence against women grants are subject to all federal and state laws and requirements including drug free work place, lobbying, wage and hour, standard assurances, and statutory eligibility requirements of the Violence Against Women Act. Compliance is required for all manuals issued by ADECA such as the Subgrantee Administrative Manual (SAM).

Contact:
Rhonda Pines
Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Division
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
401 Adams Avenue
P. O. Box 5690
Montgomery, AL 36103-5690
(334) 242-5814
rhonda.pines@adeca.alabama.gov