The Retreat to Receive Grants to Combat Domestic Violence
The Retreat will receive two grants this year that are administered by the State Division of Criminal Justice Services through the federally funded Violence Against Women Act in the categories of victims services and law enforcement. The Retreat will be receiving a direct award from DCJS and is the sub-recipient of an award made to Suffolk County Department of Probation.
Through these grants The Retreat will be able improve the delivery of victim services and reduce attrition rates for the East End’s victims of domestic violence, including those from the underserved Latina and Shinnecock reservation communities. Additionally, Retreat staff will work with East End police departments to increase the awareness of law enforcement officers on issues concerning domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking, ensuring the use of culturally and linguistically competent services. Grant funds will be utilized to support counselors and legal advocates who are able to deliver culturally relevant services to the East End’s victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
“The funds dispersed from the Violence Against Women Act are vital to the continuation and improvement of services for domestic violence victims throughout the country,” said Karen Lombri, the director of non-residential services at The Retreat. “We are very grateful to have been chosen in two categories in this highly competitive grants process and look forward to increasing awareness of the availability of domestic violence services across all populations.”
New York State received $6.2 million in federal funds that will allow 90 community organizations, hospitals, police departments and district attorneys’ offices to enhance services and protections for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. The grants will also support the work of health care professionals who are specially trained in examining sexual assault victims and collecting evidence that can be used by law enforcement, as well as allowing the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault to develop protocols and training that better address sexual assaults on college campuses.
“This funding will provide much-needed resources to assist victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in every corner of New York State,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “These organizations are proven programs that are helping to create a better system of support and justice for victims, and I am pleased that their good work is being recognized by our federal partners.”