Tester secures nearly $500,000 to prevent domestic violence in the Bakken

(Big Sandy, Mont.)-Senator Jon Tester, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, today helped secure $499,845 to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault in the Bakken.

The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice to help provide legal assistance and advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in 12 eastern Montana counties.

“These resources will help survivors get back on their feet and help prevent future cases of domestic violence.” Tester said. “It is critical that we continue to raise awareness about these services and help families take an active role to break the cycle of violence that exists in too many communities.”

The grant will be administered by the Dawson County Domestic Violence Program, Custer Network Against Domestic Abuse, and Richland County Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Last year, Tester held a field hearing in the Bakken to hear from law enforcement officials, identify the region’s most pressing needs, and determine additional resources needed to reduce violence and crime. Last week, Tester brought Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to Havre to discuss human trafficking with law enforcement officials.

Tester supported the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 and included language in last year’s Appropriations bill that forced the Department of Justice to further address crime trends in the Bakken.