Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states, tribes, and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice for any one or more of the following purpose areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).

The city of Renton will use their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG funds to purchase equipment and supplies to support the Renton Police Department's Domestic Violence Program. The program provides a secure environment for victims to discuss safety concerns, court cases, education, and awareness issues. The program also exposes victims to other resources within the legal and neighborhood-based communities. The JAG award will also be used to facilitate prevention and education training for officers and to fund emergency shelter, food, clothing, moving, gas, travel, and interpreter services for victims. Lastly, funds will be used to purchase a laptop computer to assist officers in completing protection orders for victims and for internet research. The laptop will also be used in court hearings by the prosecutor.

NCA/NCF