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 federal Formula Grant award, totaling $771,191 and issued by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women, is provided under the Sexual Assault Services Formula Program (CFDA 16.017). The purpose of this program is to support comprehensive services for sexual assault victims across the United States and its territories. Funds are distributed to states and local organizations, such as the Vermont Center For Crime Victims, to deliver critical intervention, advocacy, counseling, and related assistance to adult, youth, and child victims of sexual assault. The Vermont Center For Crime Victims will use this grant funding to supplement existing local resources and enhance the capacity of partner organizations throughout Vermont, including Women's Freedom Center, Mosaic Vermont, and Project Against Violent Encounters, to provide culturally-sensitive, victim-centered support services.

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.