Project Protect: Advocacy services to victims of domestic violence

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.

The Synergy Services, Inc. will use the FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Award funds to support the 'Project Protect' program. The Synergy Services Project Protect program provides court advocates and trained volunteers to assist victims in the domestic violence courtroom. The goals of Project Protect include: 1) educating and supporting 2,000 to 2,500 victims as they navigate through the court system; 2) providing domestic violence advocacy for 350-400 clients in hospital and other healthcare settings; 3) conducting domestic violence trainings for 50-75 law enforcement officers, court personnel and medical professionals; and 4) conducting 180 mandatory domestic violence trainings for 4,500 hospital and healthcare professionals. Project Protect empowers victims of domestic violence by increasing their understanding of their legal rights. The project also raises the understanding and ultimately the level of care provided by the professionals in the court and medical system through trainings that are charged with providing victims with a community coordinated response.

NCA/NCF