TITLE
Title
GOVERNOR'S CRIME COMMISSION VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT (VAWA) GRANT/FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Danny H. Rogers, Sheriff (Tommy E. Bumpass, Captain)
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BACKGROUND
Background
The Violence Against Women Act is a comprehensive legislative package designed to improve criminal justice responses to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking and to increase the availability of services for victims and survivors. In 2013 and 2014, Guilford County led NC in the highest number of domestic violence related homicides according to North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCCADV). Guilford County opened its first Family Justice Center in Greensboro in 2015 and a second location in High Point in 2018. Within the first six years of operation, the Centers served nearly 54,000 victims. Between 2015 and 2021, the demand for service increased 130%. Currently, seventeen (17) partner organizations totaling 100 professionals work collaboratively to provide onsite streamlined and comprehensive services to victims of domestic and sexual violence, child abuse, stalking, human trafficking, and elder abuse. This grant seeks to continue and expand the Guilford County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) role within the structure of services provided by the Family Justice Center partnership. Those served by the GCSO Family Services Unit include domestic violence victims and sexual assault victims.
Cases of domestic violence can escalate and, all too often, can culminate in serious injury or death. Guilford County experienced a 250% increase in domestic violence related homicides during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is imperative that increased law enforcement coverage be assigned to the Family Services Unit. This program defines the role of the officers who respond to these situations. Within the streamlined service delivery model and collaborative framework of the Family Justice Center, dedicated officers of the GCSO's Family Services Unit provide essential care that prevents victims from falling through the cracks and holds offenders accountable. By combining expertise and efforts in service to a shared mission, the Family Services Unit joins professionals across fields who are working together to save lives in Guilford County.
The County previously received this grant in past funding cycles. This grant supports the Sheriff's Office assigning three (3) deputies to the Family Justice Center.
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BUDGET IMPACT
Budget Impact
NO ADDITIONAL COUNTY FUNDS REQUIRED
Grant Project Fund
FY2023 Governor’s Crime Commission Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)Grant/Family Justice Center
$186,667 appropriation to Grant Project
$139,999 Federal/State revenue
$46,668 Transfers from Other Funds (General Fund)
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Approve receipt of the FY2023 Governor’s Crime Commission Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Grant/Family Justice Center award for $186,667 and adopt a grant project ordinance in the Grant Projects Fund with $186,667 in expenditure appropriation to the project, $139,999 in Federal/State revenue, and $46,668 in Transfers from Other Funds (General Funds).
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