Federal Grant Award Summary

The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded $243,213 to the West Virginia Foundation For Rape Information And Services, Inc. (WVFRIS) under the State Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program (CFDA 16.556) for the performance period of October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. As West Virginia's designated sexual assault coalition, WVFRIS will utilize these formula grant funds to coordinate state victim services activities and collaborate with federal, state, and local entities engaged in violence against women initiatives. The award supports WVFRIS's role as the statewide organization responsible for coordinating responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

Under this award, WVFRIS will engage in activities including coordinating with local sexual assault programs and service providers, collaborating with judicial and law enforcement agencies to encourage appropriate responses to sexual assault cases, working with courts and child protective services on custody and visitation issues involving sexual assault, designing and conducting public education campaigns, and monitoring grant distribution within West Virginia. These efforts are part of WVFRIS's broader mission to serve as the state coalition providing training, technical assistance, and comprehensive strategies to address gender-based violence, with particular focus on rural and underserved communities throughout West Virginia.