NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - California, Southern), published as received.
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 31, 2020
SAN DIEGO – U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has awarded $800,000 in grant funding to the Center for Community Solutions (CCS), which has three San Diego locations (in Mission Bay, Escondido and El Cajon) that provide legal services to survivors of sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence and dating violence.
“Addressing the many needs of women who are threatened by or subjected to violence is a top priority for the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “This award will help to ensure that all victims are able to access the assistance and support they need to seek the recourse and protection afforded by our legal system.”
The Legal Assistance for Victims Grant (LAV) Program, which is authorized by 34 U.S.C. § 20121, is designed to increase the availability of civil and criminal legal assistance programs for adult and youth victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are seeking relief in legal matters relating to or arising out of that abuse or violence, at minimum or no cost to the victims. Eligible applicants are private nonprofit entities, Indian tribal governments and tribal organizations, territorial organizations, and publicly funded organizations not acting in a governmental capacity, such as law schools.
The $800,000 award to CCS will fund provision of comprehensive bilingual legal services to survivors of sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence, and dating violence. Funding from this award will enable the collaborative to support additional attorneys, provide legal assistance in nine areas of law, and serve additional clients. Founded in 1969, CCS served more than 17,000 adults and children last year to heal and prevent relationship and sexual violence. CCS operates the only rape crisis center in the city of San Diego along with a countywide 24-hour bilingual crisis helpline. The nonprofit agency also provides emergency domestic violence shelters, hospital and court accompaniment, as well as legal and counseling services for those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Individuals in need of help can reach CCS through its 24-hour, confidential hotline: 1-888-385-4657. In addition to providing services, CCS collaborates with community partners to offer prevention programs that promote healthy relationships and peaceful communities.
OVW currently administers 19 grant programs authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994 and subsequent legislation. These grant programs are designed to develop the nation’s capacity to reduce domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by strengthening services to victims and holding offenders accountable.
