Resources and resilience: helping victims build a life beyond abuse

The Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society, Inc. was awarded a $585,631 Project Grant from the Department of Justice Offices Boards and Divisions Office on Violence Against Women. The grant is part of the Office on Violence Against Women's Legal Assistance for Victims program (CFDA 16.524), which provides comprehensive civil and criminal legal services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

Under the grant, Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society will create liaison positions at the Family Resource Center, Women's Resource Center of the New River Valley, Inc., and Abuse Alternatives, Inc. The liaisons will serve as the initial point of contact for referring clients to and from legal aid services. They will also directly assist clients and promote longer-term safety and economic independence through referrals to other resources, case management, and follow-up. The award period is from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2024.