The sexual assault services formula program (SAS formula program) was created by the violence against women and department of justice reauthorization act of 2005 (vawa 2005), 34 U.S.C. 12511

This $951,700.00 Sexual Assault Services Formula Program (SASP) grant award from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women (CFDA 16.017) will provide comprehensive services and support to victims of sexual assault in Maryland. The funding will be administered by the Executive Office of the State of Maryland, through its Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, to supplement existing state and local resources.

The grant supports services delivered by rape crisis centers, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies across Maryland. These services include crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling, and assistance to help adult, youth, and child sexual assault victims navigate medical, legal, and social support systems. The grant is designed to enhance the capacity of service providers to deliver culturally-sensitive, victim-centered support. The award period is from August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2026.

The SAS formula program directs grant dollars to states and territories to assist them in supporting rape crisis centers (including governmental rape crisis centers not in territories and tribal governmental programs) and nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations that provide core services, direct intervention, and related assistance to victims of sexual assault, regardless of age. Funds provided through the SAS formula program are designed to supplement other funding sources directed at addressing sexual assault on the state and territorial levels. Rape crisis centers and other nonprofit organizations, such as dual programs providing both domestic violence and sexual assault intervention services, play a vital role in assisting sexual assault victims through the healing process, as well as assisting victims through the medical, criminal justice, and other social support systems.