OVW FY 2009 Grants to Enhance Culturally and Linguistically Specific Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program

The Grants to Enhance Culturally and Linguistically Specific Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program (hereinafter referred to as the Culturally and Linguistically Specific Services Program) was created by the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (VAWA 2005) (codified at 42 U.S.C. ' 14045a). This program creates a unique opportunity for targeted community-based organizations to address the critical needs of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking victims in a manner that affirms a victim’s culture and effectively addresses language and communication barriers.Research indicates that survivors are more inclined to seek services from organizations that are familiar with their culture, language and background and that there is no “one size fits all” approach to adequately addressing these critical needs. Culturally specific community-based organizations are more likely to understand the complex multi-layered challenges and obstacles that victims from their communities face when attempting to access services in response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. Culturally specific community-based organizations are also better equipped to form essential relationships and engage their communities in the creation and implementation of services relevant to the diverse and unique needs of the victims. They play a vital role in providing services that are relevant to their communities, and they address multi-layered needs. This discretionary grant program is designed to promote the maintenance and replication of existing programs providing successful services to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking victims. The program also supports the development of innovative culturally and linguistically specific strategies and projects to enhance access to services for victims who face obstacles to using more currently available and traditional services and resources.