TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly on Friday announced more than $2 million in grants have been awarded to continue improving the response to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, and stalking. The Family Crisis Center, based in Great Bend, will receive $45,245.

The Federal Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program (S.T.O.P. VAWA) supports communities in their efforts to develop and strengthen effective responses to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

“We have a responsibility to do all we can to protect victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault,” Governor Kelly said. “These grants will strengthen our services and provide support to those who need it most.”

Specifically, the funds enable local communities to enhance law enforcement and prosecution strategies to combat violent crimes against women; increase and improve services provided to victims of intimate partner related violent crimes; and promote a coordinated community response to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, rape, and stalking.

The Family Crisis Center was one of 28 agencies across Kansas receiving a total of $1,586,517 in S.T.O.P. VAWA grant awards.

The Federal Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) accounted for another $475,615 shared by seven agencies, including $21,085 to Family Crisis Services in Finney County. SASP funding is dedicated to the provision of direct intervention and related assistance for victims of sexual assault and their families. These funds support sexual assault and rape crisis centers providing services to victims and survivors.

All of the funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.