ACTS Turning Points Domestic Violence Program

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.

Action in Community through Services (ACTS) will use the grant funds to purchase computers, printers, and phones for various departments of the ACTS Turning Points Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention Program. The acquisition of the equipment will provide the ability for better reporting, more efficient access to resources, and more comprehensive service delivery to victims of domestic violence. The equipment will improve ACTS' ability to maintain and keep its residents in a safe environment.

The ACTS Turning Points Program is one of five programs within the ACTS organization, whose mission is to end hunger, homelessness, domestic violence, and help people achieve self-sufficiency in the Prince William area of Virginia. Since 1981, ACTS Turning Points has been the only domestic violence program in the Prince William area. Its services to domestic violence victims include: two domestic violence shelters (a 15-bed shelter in Eastern Prince William County and a 17-bed shelter in Western Prince William County); court advocacy and accompaniment; crisis counseling and support groups for women and children; a 24-hour hot line; parenting classes for parents of children at risk of neglect and/or abuse; batterer intervention classes for abusers; specialized services for Spanish speaking victims and abusers; and community education, outreach, and training for allied professionals. In FY 2009, ACTS Turning Points staff and volunteers served 7,131 people.

NCA/NCF