The American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency is getting a grant of more than $600,000 from the US Department of Justice to help prevent violence against women.
This federal funding of $617,983 is awarded through the U.S. Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), which is part of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), .
The STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program was authorized by Congress initially in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and since then additional statutory authority has been provided regularly by subsequent legislation and congressional appropriations.
The STOP Formula Grant Program encourages partnerships between law enforcement, prosecution, courts, and victim services organizations to enhance victim safety and hold offenders accountable in cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
The goal of the grant program is to develop and strengthen law enforcement, prosecution, and court strategies to combat violent crimes against women and to develop and strengthen victim services.
Congresswoman Aumua Amata said “Anyone vulnerable or facing a threat should know they can go to authorities and be protected, and find the services and help they need.
“We must end domestic violence, through ongoing education and enforcement. Violence against women, children, the elderly or anyone vulnerable for any reason cannot be tolerated.”
