Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Nearly $3.8 Million to Address Sexual and Domestic Violence

Braintree — The Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded nearly $3.8 million in state and federal funds to support state, local and nonprofit agencies working to combat intimate partner violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and stalking.

The state awarded $3,276,619 in continuation funding to 42 organizations through the federally funded Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Grant Program. The funding is provided by the Department of Justice and managed in Massachusetts by the Office of Grants and Research (OGR). Each of the 42 grant recipients applied for funding through a competitive application process in 2022; award recipients who were selected through that process were eligible to receive for up to four years of funding. These awards mark the third year of this four-year funding cycle. A new competitive application process is expected to be held in 2026.

In addition, five District Attorney’s offices were awarded a total of $475,000 through the Human Trafficking Enforcement and Training Grant Program. These state-funded grants will support efforts that will enhance the ability of prosecutors and police to identify, assist, and provide referral services to victims of commercial sexual exploitation.

“This grant funding reaffirms our deep commitment to ensuring a future where every individual can live with dignity, respect, and without fear of abuse,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By investing in programs that support healing and justice, these grants will provide essential resources for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking, and stalking. Professionals across sectors will be empowered to deliver trauma-informed, accessible services to help survivors rebuild and thrive.”

“The grants awarded through these programs will improve the quality of investigations and services available to victims of human trafficking, sexual assault, domestic violence and related crimes. They will help ensure survivors have access to appropriate services to escape violence and reclaim their autonomy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.

“Safe, reliable access to services is vital for survivors of sexual and domestic violence. By fostering strong partnerships among prosecutors, law enforcement, and service providers, we create a network of life-saving support that reaches those who need it most. With these grants, state, local, and nonprofit agencies are empowered to deliver critical interventions and services that help survivors on their path to healing and recovery,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy.

“We’re proud to work with each of these agencies toward ending domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking and stalking. These state and federal funds will help support survivors of these crimes in communities across Massachusetts,” said OGR Executive Director Kevin Stanton.

The following state, local and nonprofit agencies were awarded VAWA grant funding:

The following DA’s offices were awarded funding through the FY25 Human Trafficking Enforcement and Training Program:

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