Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata has announced that American Samoa will receive $617,640 in federal funding through the STOP (Services, Training, Officers, Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program. The program is part of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which was first enacted in 1994 and continues to be funded by Congress through annual appropriations.
“Thank you to our Criminal Justice Planning Agency for their important work in American Samoa and their efforts that go into obtaining grants to support these critical services, and thank you to Deputy Director Dr. Celestine Faumuina-Nix,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you also to the U.S. Department of Justice under Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the national OVW offices for this federal support to protect and provide resources in domestic violence cases.”
The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) leads efforts at the federal level to help reduce violence against women and strengthen victim services related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
The STOP Formula Grant Program aims to foster cooperation among law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, and organizations providing services for victims. Its main objectives are improving strategies within law enforcement and judicial systems when addressing violent crimes against women and expanding support services tailored for victims. The program also focuses on supporting community-based initiatives that address culturally specific needs.
