DCF receives $8 million grant to fund community-based projects targeting domestic violence and sexual assault

The Florida Department of Children and Families announced Monday it will receive $8 million in federal money to fund services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in underserved communities.

The 2016 Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors (STOP) grant will fund victim services providers such as law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and courts by way of a contract with the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Florida Department of Health.

“Domestic violence is a horrible and inexcusable act that impacts many families and communities,” DCF Secretary Mike Carroll said. “DCF will continue to work in communities and with our partners across the state to help address this violence and help victims and their families heal and move forward.”

The STOP grant is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Violence Against Women, and requires states or territories receiving grant funds allocate 30 percent of the money for victim services, 25 percent for law enforcement, 25 percent for prosecutors, 5 percent for state and local courts, with the remaining 15 percent used as discretionary spending.