Established by the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, the STOP Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Program seeks to develop and implement law enforcement and prosecution strategies to effectively decrease violent crimes against women. These grants also help to develop and enhance services provided to the victims of violent crimes.
In Arkansas, the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) is responsible for coordinating VAWA funds with local agencies. Funds through VAWA promote a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to enhancing advocacy and improving the criminal justice system's response to violent crimes against women. It encourages the development and improvement of effective law enforcement and prosecution strategies to address violent crimes against women and the development and improvement of advocacy and services in cases involving violent crimes against women.
VAWA funds may be used for multiple purposes in the identified funding areas, including
- Training law enforcement officers and prosecutors to identify and respond to violent crimes against women;
- Developing, training or expanding specialized law enforcement units;
- Developing and implementing more effective police and prosecution policies, protocols, orders and services specifically dedicated to preventing, identifying and responding to violent crimes against women;
- Developing, installing or expanding data collection and communication systems that link police, prosecutors and courts or identify and track arrests, protection orders, violations of protection orders, prosecutions and convictions of violent crimes against women;
- Developing, expanding or strengthening victim service programs, programs that address stalking and programs that address the needs and circumstances of Indian tribes dealing with violent crimes against women.
For the complete list of 24 purpose areas, please refer to the application guidance.
NOTE: STOP funds are provided as a temporary means to accomplish specific goals. These funds should, therefore, be administered in a manner that ensures long-term, sustainable activities. Applicants must devise a plan to continue services in the absence of federal funds.