The V.I. Law Enforcement Planning Commission will receive $542,000 under the S.T.O.P. (Services Training Officers Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grants Program.
The money is to be used to strengthen existing law enforcement procedures and prosecution strategies in crimes against women. It will also bolster victim services to women who have been victims of violent crimes, according to a release from the office of Delegate Donna Christian- Christensen.
The grant is part of the 1999 Violence Against Women Act, which was co-sponsored by Christensen
"With the increasing reports of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Virgin Islands, it is imperative that our law enforcement and justice officials work even closer together to eliminate these devastating crimes in our community," Christensen said.
The goals of the V.I. STOP program are to:
– Develop systematic policies and procedures to handling violent crimes against women.
– Improve coordination of efforts and communication between agencies to enhance tracking of statistical data and violations of restraining orders.
– Provide funds for equipment to enhance enforcement response.
– Provide legal assistance to victims.
– Create a specialized unit with trained prosecutors and advocates to enhance the prosecution of violent crimes against women.
– Implement court-ordered counseling and intervention services to reduce the incidence of repeat offenses.
The STOP grant funding is authorized through February 2001.
