Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the South Carolina Department of Public Safety will receive a $1.79 million grant to combat violence against women. South Carolina ranks first in the nation in the number of women who are murdered by men. The STOP (Services, Training, Officers, Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grant program promotes a coordinated approach to improving the criminal justice system's response to violent crimes against women. The STOP Program encourages the development and strengthening of effective law enforcement, prosecution strategies, and victim services. The Department of Public Safety must allocate at least 30 percent of the funds to nonprofit, nongovernmental victim services programs; 25 percent to law enforcement; 25 percent to prosecution; and 5 percent to the courts. The remaining 15 percent may be awarded at the Department’s discretion. “Violence against women is a real problem in South Carolina,” said Graham. “These funds will help assist victims and bring criminal offenders to justice.” The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice. ####