PROVIDENCE, RI – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo announced $1,827,502 in federal funding from the Department of Justice to support four local organizations working to help survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

“This federal funding is a wise investment in coordinated strategies that support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking and help to break down barriers in accessing critical resources, housing, and care,” said Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.  “I’m proud to work with my colleagues in the delegation to deliver these funds for Sojourner House, the Women’s Resource Center of Newport & Bristol, Day One, and the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence to support their vital work and to help survivors rebuild a healthy, safe life for themselves and their families.”

“Organizations across Rhode Island do heroic work to provide a lifeline to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault – many of whom are in the darkest moment of their lives,” said Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and former Rhode Island Attorney General.  “This federal funding will support four outstanding local nonprofits as they carry out their important missions and help survivors reclaim their lives.”

“Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking have gone through unimaginable trauma and deserve to have the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives,” said Magaziner. “This federal funding will support Rhode Island organizations dedicated to helping survivors and working toward a future where everyone can live without fear of violence.”

“Survivors of domestic violence in Rhode Island are not alone — they have valiant organizations on their side that offer stability and resources for healing to occur,” said Amo. “Today’s federal funding announcement will help these Rhode Island organizations continue to support vulnerable residents in our state.”

  • $960,123 for Sojourner House to provide housing assistance and support services to victims of human trafficking throughout the state.  Sojourner House will also collaborate with and train local partners to improve their capacity to identify and respond to victims of human trafficking.
  • $500,000 for the Women’s Resource Center of Newport & Bristol to support its Pet Friendly Transitional Housing Program for Victims of Domestic Violence Project.  The three-year initiative will expand Rhode Island’s capacity to house victims of domestic violence and their companion animals in transitional housing.  The Women’s Resource Center will also assist survivors in their journey towards achieving personal, family, housing, and economic stability, with a focus on engaging individuals and organizations from historically underserved populations.
  • $252,846 for Day One to provide sexual assault treatment, intervention, education, advocacy, and prevention services to Rhode Islanders of all ages.
  • $114,533 for the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence to carry out its mission of supporting and enhancing the work of coalition member agencies and to lead on the issue of domestic violence prevention in Rhode Island.

“This funding is a lifeline for survivors of human trafficking in our state. With this support, Sojourner House will be able to expand our housing and supportive services, ensuring that survivors can find safety, dignity, and the assistance they need to recover and move forward,” said Vanessa Volz, President and CEO of Sojourner House. “We are incredibly grateful to RI’s congressional delegation for their continued support of our work, and the Department of Justice for recognizing the critical need for these resources.”

In August, the delegation announced an additional $750,000 in federal funding from the Department of Justice for Rhode Island Legal Services to expand its civil legal assistance for Rhode Islanders experiencing domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.