WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to prevent domestic violence, hold offenders accountable, and ensure that victims are safe and have access to supportive services, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the Rhode Island Justice Commission is receiving $880,106 in federal funding for its STOP Violence Against Women Program. The STOP (Services, Training, Officers, Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Program promotes a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to improving the criminal justice system's response to violent crimes against women.

"Domestic violence affects every community across all economic spectrums. This program has helped make strides in preventing domestic violence by increasing coordination between local shelters, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system. It is important to give victims of domestic violence around-the-clock protection from their abusers and make sure they have access to emergency services. These federal funds will enable the Rhode Island Justice Commission to prevent domestic violence, assist victims, and go after offenders," said Reed, a strong supporter of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and a member of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds Department of Justice programs.

President Bush's budget request for fiscal year 2009 proposed cutting funding for VAWA programs by almost a third. In response, Reed and several of his colleagues sent a bipartisan letter of support in April urging full funding for VAWA programs in fiscal year 2009.

The senators wrote: "Despite the rising demand for services and the demonstrated success of the these programs, the President's Budget Request for fiscal year 2009 proposes drastic measures that would endanger victims services nationwide. Full funding of VAWA is a critical investment in our communities that saves lives, helps victims recover, and prevents future crimes."

Reed cosponsored legislation which became law in January of 2006 reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.