The sexual assault services culturally specific program (SAS culturally specific program) was created by the violence against women and department of justice reauthorization act of 2005 (vawa 2005),…

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women has awarded a $495,000 Project Grant under the Sexual Assault Services Culturally Specific Program (CFDA 16.023) to Korean American Family Services, Inc. This 4-year grant will enable the non-profit organization to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate direct intervention and related assistance services for Korean American survivors of sexual assault in the Greater Los Angeles area. Key services include advocacy, accompaniment, crisis intervention, support services, referrals, and the development of community education workshops and awareness campaigns. The funding aims to address linguistic and cultural barriers faced by underserved populations when seeking services for sexual assault through the delivery of culturally specific victim services. Additionally, Korean American Family Services, Inc. will serve as a sub-awardee for some of the grant activities, further expanding access to these critical services within the local Korean American community.

The sexual assault services culturally specific program (SAS culturally specific program) was created by the violence against women and department of justice reauthorization act of 2005 (vawa 2005), 34 U.S.C. 12511(C), and is part of the first federal funding stream solely dedicated to the provision of direct intervention and related assistance for victims of sexual assault. Intervention and related assistance include advocacy, accompaniment (e.g., accompanying victims to court, medical facilities, police departments, etc.), crisis intervention and support services, and referrals, among other services. Under this program, such services may be provided to adult, youth, and child victims of sexual assault, family and household members of such victims, and those collaterally affected by the victimization. Survivors of sexual assault from culturally specific communities frequently confront unique challenges when seeking assistance, such as linguistic and cultural barriers. Culturally specific community-based organizations are more likely to understand these challenges because they are familiar with the culture, language, and background of victims from their communities, who in turn are more inclined to seek services from such organizations. The goal of the SAS culturally specific program is to establish, maintain, and expand culturally specific intervention and related assistance for victims of sexual assault, which serve a vital role in providing services that are relevant for their communities. Through this continuation sexual assault services culturally specific program project, korean american family services INC., will provide culturally specific direct intervention and related assistance, develop culturally and linguistically community workshop series, and campaign for sexual assault awareness month for korean american survivors of greater LOS angeles, california. The project will address the following priority area: priority area 5, underserved communities- sexual assault services for the lgbt population.