The Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime today awarded more than $8 million to support crime victims in Native American communities in six states: Alaska, California, Maine, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin. The group of 13 awards is the third in a series of grants being made by OVC to American Indian and Alaska Native communities. OVC has now awarded more than $17 million of nearly $100 million to support tribal victim service programs. The awards—30 in total so far—will fund critical crime victim services, such as counseling, transitional housing, emergency services and transportation. The grants are supported by the Crime Victims Fund, a repository of federal criminal fines, fees and special assessments. The fund includes zero tax dollars. “American Indian and Alaska Native communities face extensive public safety challenges, but through creative approaches that combine traditional methods with innovative solutions, they are demonstrating their determination to meet the needs of victims in their communities,” said OJP’s Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt M. Dummermuth. “These grants, part of historic levels of funding awarded by the Department of Justice to American Indian and Alaska Native communities, will provide significant resources to bring critical services to those who suffer the effects of crime and violence.” “One of our priorities in the District of Oregon is our unwavering commitment to members of tribal communities. Our office stands firmly on the side of tribal victims and will continue to work tirelessly pursuing justice on their behalf,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “The Justice Department’s tribal grant programs ensure all tribes have the resources necessary to support victims and keep their communities safe.” According to OJP’S Bureau of Justice Statistics, American Indians and Alaska Natives experience violent crime at rates far greater than the general population. Two Oregon tribes were among the 13 receiving grant awards today. Nearly 170 tribes are expected to receive funding this spring to help their communities support crime victims over the next three years: The Klamath Tribes of Oregon (Oregon) was awarded $396,793 to enhance existing services and outreach to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, sex trafficking, and dating violence. The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians (Oregon) was awarded $714,783 to offer longer term transitional housing to provide stability for families and individuals while they receive restorative services.
