The enhancing investigations and prosecution of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking initiative (EIP) encourages law enforcement agencies and/or prosecutors offices to…

The Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women awarded $500,000 to Vanderburgh County Prosecutor's Office on May 1, 2026, under the Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies and Enforcement of Protection Orders Program (CFDA 16.590) to establish a specialized domestic violence prosecution unit and fund a Deputy Prosecutor and Victim Advocate through April 30, 2029.

The prosecution-focused project will improve case outcomes through better victim engagement and effective review and use of evidence at trial. The initiative aims to break the cycle of violence by prioritizing prosecution of repeat offenders while providing supportive services to victims. Performance takes place in Evansville, Indiana.

The program supports improved criminal justice response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by assisting states, Indian Tribal governments, state and local courts, and units of local government in expanding investigation and prosecution capacity while holding offenders accountable and promoting agency trust within the surrounding community.

The enhancing investigations and prosecution of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking initiative (EIP) encourages law enforcement agencies and/or prosecutors offices to expand and improve their capacity to effectively investigate and/or prosecute domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and in so doing, support victim safety and autonomy, hold offenders accountable, and promote agency trust within the surrounding community. This prosecution-focused project will: (1) establish a specialized domestic violence prosecution unit; and (2) fund a deputy prosecutor and a victim advocate. The project aims to improve case outcomes through better victim engagement and effective review and use of evidence at trial, breaking the cycle of violence by prioritizing the prosecution of repeat offenders and being supportive of victims.