WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the state is receiving over $1.5 million in federal funding to prevent violence against women and children and help Rhode Islanders who are victims of crimes, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. This federal aid will support several local programs to ensure that offenders are held accountable and victims have access to supportive services.

"I am pleased to have secured federal funds to help law enforcement officials prevent crime and go after predators. This is a worthy investment to aid and protect victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and bring their abusers to justice. It will also go a long way toward assisting victims of crime by coordinating services and helping them apply for crime victim's compensation benefits, so they don't get victimized twice."

The federal funding includes:

$700,000 for the Rhode Island Crime Victims Compensation Program, which helps victims of crime pay their medical bills and get counseling. It is partly financed through fines paid by federal criminal offenders.

$380,000 for the Sojourner House's Transitional Housing Assistance Program. Located in Providence, Sojourner House provides critical services to women, many with children, in crisis to help them work beyond the challenges of homelessness, domestic violence, mental health issues, addiction, and family separation.

$220,000 for the Sexual Assault Services Program, which offers aid and supportive services to victims of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault. This funding may be used to support a variety of activities, including: 24-hour hotline services; accompaniment and advocacy through medical, criminal justice, and social support systems, including medical facilities, police, and court proceedings; and outreach activities for underserved communities.

$200,000 for the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in support of its efforts to prevent, investigate, and prosecute predators who use the web to exploit children.

In addition to this funding, Reed also announced over $99,000 for Rhode Island's Division of Motor Vehicles to help prevent auto theft and fraudulent use of title documents from stolen vehicles.

Throughout his career, Senator Reed has been a strong supporter of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), the Crime Victims Fund, and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Rhode Island's Congressional delegation also secured Recovery Act funds totaling over $965,000 to prevent violence against women, $755,000 for crime victims compensation and assistance, and $400,000 for targeting Internet crimes against children. The federal aid will be distributed by the Rhode Island Justice Commission.