A grant to help Domestic and Sexual Abuse
By Paul Hall on Friday, October 15th, 2021 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Segments of this information is provided by Shelter from the Storm) Shelter from the Storm of Union County, a nonprofit organization partnered with the La Grande Police Department has been approved to continue a grant that was started in 2018 for Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking. The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) grant will help provide the La Grande Police Department the ability to employ a special victim’s detective. The detective will work with Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Stalking cases in partnership with Shelter from the Storm. The grant allows Shelter from the Storm to empower victims to become survivors by focusing on long-term safety and sustainable economic independence.
Through a dedicated Advocacy Initiated Response (AIR) Team program with law enforcement, the goal is to support and empower victims, remove barriers to access services, provide awareness and prevention education to the community, and provides long-term solutions to survivors that utilize this program and others that Shelter from the Storm offers. The program will provide ongoing training and education for law enforcement officers and advocates, and ensure a smooth referral process between partners. It offers survivors no-cost legal assistance and mental health counseling, and provides emergency shelter and funding for transitional housing for long term sustained housing for survivors.
