Survivors of sexual assault from culturally specific communities frequently confront unique challenges, such as linguistic and cultural barriers, when seeking assistance. In order to provide the most appropriate services to such victims, the Sexual Assault Services Culturally Specific Program supports nonprofit organizations that focus primarily on culturally specific communities and have experience in the area of sexual assault or who partner with an organization having such expertise. The goal of the SAS Culturally Specific Program is to create, maintain, and expand sustainable sexual assault services provided by culturally specific organizations, which are uniquely situated to respond to the needs of sexual assault victims from culturally specific communities.
What's New About this OVW Program
SAS Culturally Specific Program will provide up to four planning grants that will consist of two phases. Phase One planning will not exceed 24 months. Upon successful completion of Phase One, the remaining grant funds will be released for Phase Two service provision.
Applicants that receive funding under the SAS Culturally Specific Program will be required to engage in the following intervention services and related assistance, which may include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- 24-hour hotline services providing crisis intervention services and referral;
- Accompaniment and advocacy through medical, criminal justice, and social support systems, including medical facilities, police, and court proceedings;
- Crisis intervention, short-term individual and group support services, and comprehensive service coordination and supervision to assist sexual assault victims and family or household members;
- Information and referral to assist the sexual assault victim and family or household members;
- Community-based, culturally specific services and support mechanisms, including outreach activities for underserved communities; and
- Development and distribution of materials on issues related to the services offered.
$3,750,000 was available in both FY2020, FY21, and FY22.
The activities listed below are out of the program scope and will not be supported by this program's funding: