WASHINGTON, DC – For over five decades, Rhode Island Legal Services (RILS) has provided critical, comprehensive legal services to victims of domestic and intimate partner violence.

U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo today announced that RILS will receive a $750,000 federal grant to expand its civil legal assistance for Rhode Islanders experiencing domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

The federal grant will enable RILS to expand its work, particularly among underserved communities that experience disproportionate rates of domestic violence, to support survivors of sexual violence and violent crimes throughout the legal process. RILS expects to utilize this funding to assist an estimated 3,600 Rhode Islanders in gaining access to high-quality legal representation and wraparound services.

“To better support victims of sexual violence and violent crimes, we must invest in proven strategies and effective supports that help survivors and create a safer Rhode Island. This federal funding will assist Rhode Island Legal Services in continuing their vital work to help survivors by providing needed assistance, support, and wraparound services,” said Senator Reed.

“Far too many survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault don’t have the resources to navigate the justice system on their own.  I spent years prosecuting domestic violence, and I’m very pleased to help secure these federal funds to expand the heroic work Rhode Island Legal Services does to secure justice for survivors,” said Whitehouse, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and former U.S. Attorney and Rhode Island Attorney General.

“Survivors of domestic violence deserve the resources and support to set them on the path to safety, justice and healing,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. “This federal funding will help connect survivors to the support systems they need to get back on their feet and will ultimately save lives across Rhode Island.”

“Keeping Rhode Islanders safe from harm is one of the most important jobs that we have in Congress — that’s why it’s essential that we invest in the work carried out by Rhode Island Legal Services,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “I’m thrilled that today’s announcement of $750,000 in federal funding will go toward ensuring that survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence don’t fall through the cracks and get the support and services that they need.”

Additionally, RILS plans to use this federal grant to bolster its legal assistance services by developing new materials for engaging and assisting victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including a Safe Visitation Handbook and a Safe Housing Handbook.

The federal grant for RILS is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and flows from the Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Grant Program. The goal of the LAV grant program is to increase the availability of civil and criminal legal assistance needed to effectively aid victims and survivors by providing funds for direct legal services to victims in legal matters relating to or arising out of abuse or violence.