Federal Grant Award Summary

The South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault, Inc. (The Network) received a $750,000 continuation Project Grant from the Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women under the Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Grant Program (CFDA 16.524), effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028. In partnership with Working Against Violence, Inc., Brown Law Firm P.C., Baloun Law P.C., and Wendt Law, P.C., The Network delivers comprehensive free civil legal services to victims aged 11 and older across South Dakota who have experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

The funded services encompass direct legal assistance in multiple practice areas including family law, immigration, employment, housing, protection and stay-away order proceedings, campus administrative matters, and criminal justice proceedings affecting victim safety and privacy. Additionally, the grant supports alternative dispute resolution and restorative practices designed to promote victim autonomy and safety, as well as post-conviction relief proceedings in state, local, tribal, and territorial courts where victim convictions are related to the violence they experienced. This continuation award builds upon prior grant activities and addresses legal service gaps across both urban and rural communities in South Dakota.