Portman Applauds DOJ's Decision to Award Grant to Canton's Domestic Violence Project, Incorporated

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) today applauded the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) announcement that it will award the Domestic Violence Project, Incorporated (DVPI) in Canton, Ohio a FY2013 Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program.  Portman sent a letter to Ben Hanson, Acting Director of DOJ, in March 2013 asking them to consider DVPI in the competitive grant application process.

“I congratulate DVIP on receiving this grant as they seek to address the critical issue of secure and stable housing for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking,” said Portman.  “I encourage DVPI to make use of these funds in a manner consistent with the more current reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, to ensure that the population being serviced by these programs includes vulnerable victims of sex trafficking in Ohio.”

Earlier this year, Portman supported the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act which clarified that grant funds can be used to include services and assistance to victims of severe forms of trafficking.  Additionally, Portman secured an change in the reauthorization to ensure that victims of child sex trafficking are provided the same resources and treatment as children who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking. These changes go into effect October 1, 2013.

DVPI provides a continuum of services for individuals who are victims of domestic violence, and this transitional housing program will provide a solution for victims needing supportive services to secure affordable, safe housing.

The letter appears below and here.

March 1, 2013

Bea Hanson
Acting Director
Office on Violence Against Women
U.S. Department of Justice
145 N. Street, N.E.
Suite 10W.121
Washington, D.C.  20530

Dear Director Hanson,

I write to bring to your attention the competitive grant application submitted by Domestic Violence Project, Inc. (DVPI) for funding in the FY2013 Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program.

I understand that DVPI provides a continuum of services for individuals who are victims of domestic violence.  A transitional housing program would provide a solution for victims needing the supportive services to secure affordable, safe housing.

Please give all due consideration to this request.  If there are any questions, please contact my grant coordinator, Linda Greenwood at (419) 259-3895.  Thank you.