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

The U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women awarded a $1,745,247 Sexual Assault Services Formula Program (SASP) grant to the Texas Governor's Office, Criminal Justice Division. This 2-year grant, effective August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2026, is designed to support comprehensive services for sexual assault victims across Texas. The funding will supplement existing resources and enhance the capacity of rape crisis centers, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies to deliver critical intervention, advocacy, counseling, and related assistance to adult, youth, and child victims of sexual assault.

Under this grant, the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) will receive a sub-award to provide funding and oversight to crisis centers across the state, increasing sexual assault services in areas with the greatest need. TAASA is a non-profit organization that has received multiple federal grants to combat sexual violence and support survivors through training, technical assistance, prevention programs, and support for local crisis centers throughout Texas.

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.