Oct 03 2005

Graham Announces More Than $650,000 to Assist Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced more than $650,000 in grants for two organizations in South Carolina to assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. “Domestic violence remains a major problem in South Carolina,” said Graham. “We have a responsibility to do all we can to assist victims and prosecute offenders.” The National College of District Attorneys in Columbia will receive a $400,000 grant. The funds will be used to sponsor the Fifteenth Annual National Conference on Domestic Violence. The conference is expected to be attended by approximately 1,000 attendees and will focus on providing the tools necessary to help victims rebuild their lives. The South Carolina Centers for Equal Justice in Columbia will receive a $252,590 grant. The funds will be used to provide on-site advocacy, improved legal services, and specialized training for attorneys in the areas of domestic violence and sexual assault. This project is a collaboration between South Carolina Centers for Equal Justice and other victim services organizations including the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault, Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons, Laurens County Safe Home, Safe Passage, SAFE Homes-Rape Crisis Coalition, and My Sister’s House. The grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice. ####