Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 14, 2012

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $650K DEPT. OF JUSTICE INVESTMENT FOR MONROE COUNTY; INVESTMENT WILL IMPROVE RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC CRIME

DOJ Funding Through the Schumer-Sponsored Violence Against Women Act Will Support Monroe County Work to Protect Victims of Domestic Violence, Stalking, Abuse

Schumer: By Supporting Monroe County and Local Prosecutors, We Can Respond Quickly to Violence and Help Keep Women Safe from Predators and Abusers

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that Monroe County will receive a grant totaling $650,000 from the Department of Justice “Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies and Enforcement of Protection Orders” Program. Monroe County will collaborate with its non-profit, non-governmental victim services partners Alternatives for Battered Women, Inc. (ABW) and the Legal Aid Society of Rochester and use funds to implement a project to improve the response to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking and focus on the special needs of veterans and their families and victims of violence with Limited English proficiency.

"Protecting women from abusers and predators is an enormous priority, and this investment will help keep Monroe County residents safe by improving response to violence and assault, help protect victims and prosecute offenders” said Schumer. “I am pleased such an important federal investment is being made in Monroe County and that our law enforcement officials and prosecutors will have access to the support they need to help keep women safe.”

The Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies and Enforcement of Protection Orders Program (Arrest Program) implements certain provisions of the Violence Against Women Act, of which Schumer was an original sponsor. Senator Schumer has been a constant advocate for this program and the work to enhance victim safety and offender accountability in cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking by encouraging jurisdictions to implement pro-arrest policies as an effective intervention that is part of a coordinated community response. An integral component of the Arrest Program is the creation and enhancement of collaborative partnerships between criminal justice agencies, victim services providers, and community organizations which respond to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

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