New Federal Funding to Support Victims of Domestic Violence
A new $750,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Violence Against Women to support the revival of The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY’s Survivors Project. The goal of this multi-county effort is to provide comprehensive civil legal services designed to meet the broad spectrum of needs of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Monroe, Genesee, and Orleans Counties in New York State. Congressman Joe Morelle gave the the announcement came on August 6, 2024
“It is abhorrent that domestic and dating violence continue to be an issue across our country, but thanks to the work of groups like The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY, we’re helping to empower survivors in our community and give them the support they deserve,” Morelle said. “This new $750,000 in federal funding I helped secure will allow The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY, to continue this life-saving mission, and I’m grateful for all their work. I look forward to working with them and their partner organizations across our community to end the horrific cycle of abuse and deliver the justice victims deserve.”
Over the three-year period provided by this funding, nearly 1,300 victims in the community will receive support in the form of direct legal assistance, legal advocacy services, or legal education services. In addition to expanding the overall availability of these resources, the Survivors Project will also seek to raise awareness of these resources and ensure their equitable access for traditionally underserved communities and will further focus efforts on LGBTQ+ victims, immigrant victims, and victims living in rural areas.
“Our history goes back to Susan B. Anthony and her dedication to commanding women's legal rights. Over time, this expanded to representing and advocating for survivors of domestic violence in Monroe County and beyond. The funding secured by Congressman Morelle will ensure that systemic issues involving domestic violence will be addressed. Equally important is obtaining positive legal solutions that put survivors and their children on a path to a safe, stable, and healthy life,” President and CEO of The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY, Carla Palumbo said. “While some view an order of protection as the primary or sole need, a comprehensive approach is required and often also includes legal representation for divorces, custody, child support, eviction prevention, and consumer matters, as well as working with our collaborative partners for critical supportive services.”
The following organizations will work in partnership with The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY, to achieve the goals of the Survivors Project:
* Willow Domestic Violence Center, the certified Monroe County domestic violence service provider;
* RESTORE Sexual Assault Services, NYS certified sexual assault provider in Monroe, Genesee, Orleans, Livingston and Wyoming Counties;
* YWCA of Genesee County, the certified Genesee County domestic violence services provider;
* PathStone Corporation, the NYS Office of Children and Family Services approved domestic violence service provider in Orleans County;
* Empire Justice Center, a statewide legal service provider focusing on legal services support, technical assistance, and direct service; and
* Trillium Health, a healthcare service provider with focus on the LGBTQ+ community.
This funding for the Survivors Project has been provided by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Violence Against Women’s Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Program. The LAV Program is designed to support program that increase the availability of civil and criminal legal assistance needed to effectively aid adult and youth victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking by providing funds for comprehensive direct legal services to victims in legal matters relating to or arising out of that abuse or violence. In 2023, the LAV gave out 55 awards totaling $39.63 million.
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