Tester, Bullock deliver $8.4 million for crime victim services in Montana

(Helena, Mont.)-Senator Jon Tester and Governor Steve Bullock today announced that the Montana Board of Crime Control has been awarded $8.4 million to help survivors of violent crimes.

The $8.4 million in Victims of Crime Act and the Violence Against Women Act grants will allow the Montana Board of Crime Control to continue to provide training and technical assistance to service providers who support survivors of violent crimes. Additionally, the Office of Violence Against Women grant will provide direct intervention and related assistance for victims of sexual assault.

“Survivors of violent crimes deserve our full support as they seek justice,” Tester said. “These resources will help get survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse back on their feet.”

“These funds are critical to ensuring that victims of violent crimes get the help and attention they need,” said Bullock. “As attorney general, I fought to bring justice to violent criminals, and as governor I’ll continue to fight to make sure these victims have the resources they need to heal and move on with their lives.”

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Tester worked to provide stable funding for these Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grants.

VOCA and VAWA grants are awarded each year to private nonprofit and public agencies that provide direct services to survivors of violent crimes.

The Montana Board of Crime Control helps facilitate and coordinate crime prevention services between federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies.