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WASHINGTON—Congressman Paul D. Tonko announced today a number of grants awarded to the Capital Region totaling $8,989,493 to enhance vital services for victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. The grants are being provided by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs and Office on Violence Against Women.

“Far too many survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence are forced to cope with lasting and unimaginable trauma alone,” Congressman Tonko said. “Providing funding to victim services helps ensure that our most vulnerable communities receive the support they need. The incredible programs being awarded with this funding deliver critical resources to combat human trafficking and domestic violence and abuse, as well as delivering services to survivors. I will continue to work alongside my colleagues in Congress to make sure Americans everywhere are given the resources needed to seek justice, receive support and care, and rebuild their lives.”

• $7,577,866 is being awarded to NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services for STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program to enhance victim safety and hold offenders accountable in cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
• $467,193 is being awarded to St. Anne Institute for Supporting Effective Interventions for Adolescent Sex Offenders and Children with Sexual Behavior Problems
• $549,434 is being awarded to Capital District Women's Bar Association Legal Project for Services for Victims of Human Trafficking.
• $295,000 is being awarded to Unity House of Troy, for Training and Services to End Violence Against Women with Disabilities Grant Program.
• $100,000 is being awarded to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to research data to better understand how human trafficking networks operate in order to better combat human trafficking assist more survivors.

Tonko has worked throughout his career to deliver protections and services for victims of violence. This Congress he voted in the House of Representatives to pass H.R.1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation he cosponsored that would protect all Americans by reaffirming protections for every woman, as well as including improvements to address gaps in current law that have been identified by victims, survivors and advocates.

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