Six-Figure Grant To Be Used To Combat Domestic Violence In RivCo

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The Board of Supervisors Tuesday authorized Riverside County public safety agencies to apply a $900,000 federal grant to programs intended to address domestic violence, sexual assaults and other crimes against women.

In a 5-0 vote without comment, the board accepted sheriff's administrators' plan to spend just over $200,000 of the U.S. Department of Justice's "Violence Against Women" grant and share the balance of the dispersal with the District Attorney's Office and other safety agencies, as well in support of specific nonprofits.

The grant supplements a prior $900,000 Violence Against Women award from 2015, and the new funds must be expended between the current fiscal year and 2020-21.

"This grant recognizes that sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking are crimes that require the criminal justice system to hold offenders accountable for their actions through investigation, arrest and prosecution, and through close judicial scrutiny and management of offender behavior," according to a sheriff's statement posted to the board agenda.

According to officials, the funds will pay for coordinated efforts and strategies.

Nonprofit agencies whose resources are utilized by the county in addressing domestic abuse and acts of sexual predation include the Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center, Safe Alternatives for Everyone and Shelter from the Storm.

— By City News Service / Image via Shutterstock