TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez today announced $1,095,330 in Department of Justice grants to improve services for crime victims in the Middle District of Florida. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of over $144 million distributed to enhance the district’s response to victims of crime throughout the United States.
“The Department of Justice is steadfast in its commitment to protecting public safety and bringing justice to those who have been victimized,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The investments we are making today will support service providers as they work to secure the legal rights of victims and put survivors of criminal acts on the road to recovery.”
“Prosecuting crimes is but one aspect of delivering justice,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “Whenever and wherever possible, we must assist victims in the recovery and restoration process of their lives. The grant awards made today will assist our communities in rendering justice complete.”
The awards made to organizations in the Middle District of Florida will advance the use of technology, improve community preparedness and law enforcement training and provide emergency and transitional shelter to assist victims of crime. Programs will also support victims of child abuse and fund research projects related to perpetrators and victims of elder abuse. Approximately $64.3 million was awarded under Office for Victims of Crime grant programs; over $54.1 million was awarded under Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention programs; over $19.9 million was awarded under Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking grant programs; and nearly $5.7 million was awarded under two National Institute of Justice grant programs.
“As lockdowns and lawlessness fuel crime in America’s homes and communities, more people are vulnerable to victimization and those who have been victimized face new hurdles,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Office of Justice Programs is committed to giving our victim service partners the tools they need to better serve their clients and protect victims’ rights.”
The following organizations received funding:
- City of St. Petersburg ($390,832)
- Hillsborough County ($704,498)
More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.