Deterring Domestic Violence and Limiting Its Long-Term Impact on Survivors

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

Schuylkill Women in Crisis (SWIC) will use their 2009 Congressionally Selected Awards funding to deter domestic violence and limit its long-term impact on survivors. The funding will be used to maintain or enhance existing services in order to reach more victims and offer a range of services - some of which are currently in jeopardy - to promote healing. The SWIC anticipates that the number of survivors aware of SWIC services will increase and that those seeking SWIC assistance will be able to access services that promote healing and safety. Funding will support and enhance the following: utilities in emergency shelter that will ensure safe, healthy, temporary residence for women and children who are homeless as a result of domestic violence; community/prevention education that will provide outreach to the community, enabling victims to become aware of SWIC's services and increase their safety and wellness; children's advocacy to provide support, safety planning, and healing for children traumatized by domestic violence in their home; a program assistant to provide counseling for women during evenings and weekends and provide assistance in filing for Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders; a property manager who will ensure safe and accessible emergency shelter; a legal advocate to offer assistance to victims in filing PFA orders and providing accompaniment to legal proceedings; and substitute staff to ensure staff are available to assist victims filing Emergency PFA orders during nights and weekends. The project will ensure 24-hour staff are available at the emergency shelter.

NCA/NCF