Chris Gilligan
Communications Director
(502) 564-7554
(502) 330-4967 (cell)

Frankfort, KY – Lieutenant Governor and Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Stephen B. Pence announced today the Cabinet has $2.2 million in federal grant funds to award to state and local groups that help women who are victims of violence.

"Domestic violence, sexual assaults and other abuses against women are intolerable", says Lieutenant Governor Pence. "While we can’t completely stop the abuse, we can help women get their lives back together after it happens and hopefully minimize the chances of the abuse reoccurring."

The grant money comes from federal funding. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides services to adult female victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. These services include therapy, group counseling, court advocacy, legal advocacy and follow-up.

VAWA funding is available for programs that include law enforcement, prosecution, service programs and courts. Those interested in applying for the funding, contact the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet: Donna Langley, VAWA Program Coordinator, 403 Wapping Street, Frankfort, Ky. 40601, she can be contacted at 502/564-3251 tel; 502/564-5244 fax; or email at donna.langley@ky.gov. To obtain an application, please submit a request in writing to Ms. Langley.

VAWA applications will be accepted starting September 13, 2004. Applications are due by the close of business September 24, 2004.