Victims of domestic violence often leave their abusers with little more than the clothes on their backs. A number of grant programs are available to assist victims of domestic violence and are designed to help the victim get themselves back on their feet. Washington offers several of these programs for victims who have suffered as a result of violence at home. These grant help domestic violence victims in the Evergreen State begin rebuilding their lives one day at a time.
Hopeline Program
Victims of domestic violence in Washington may benefit from a $293,000 grant issued through Verizon Wireless's Hopeline Program. This program issues cell phones and air time free of charge to victims of and former victims of domestic violence so help is never more than a phone call away. All phones and air time are paid for through the grant based program and are distributed through domestic violence agencies throughout Washington. As of September, 2010, all phones came complete with 3,000 prepaid minutes to ensure victims of domestic violence can call 911 or the proper authorities if they are confronted or attacked by their abuser.
Verizon Wireless - Corporate Office
133 Calkins Rd.
Rochester, NY 14623
800-922-0204
vzw.com
Transitional Housing Program
The United States Department of Justice provides grant-based funding for victims of domestic violence in Washington and throughout America. These grants, issued through the Transitional Housing Assistance Program and the Office on Violence Against Women, provide funds to assist victims of domestic violence and their children with obtaining transitional housing, away from their abusers. The Transitional Housing Program also issues additional grants to help offset the costs of transportation, health care, telephone service and counseling. Funds to victims who reside in Washington are issued by domestic violence agencies throughout the state and the amount of funding received may vary. Victims of date rape and sexual assault may also apply for funding through the program.
US Department of Justice
Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
800 K St., N.W., Suite 920
Washington, D.C. 20530
202-307-6026
ovw.usdoj.gov
Family Violence Fund
The Washington State Office of Crime Victims Advocacy works hand in hand with the Family Violence Prevention Fund to offer financial assistance to those who have experienced domestic violence. The program offers grant funding to help victims offset the costs of housing and counseling and provides legal advocacy to help victims of domestic violence to prosecute their abusers. The organization focuses on addressing the needs of those who have suffered physical, emotional and sexual abuse and helping provide them with the financial and supportive resources they need to begin the rebuilding process. Parties who are interested in obtaining assistance may contact the Washington State Office of Crime Victims Advocacy to see if they qualify.
Washington State Department of Commerce
Office of Crime Victims Advocacy
906 Columbia St. S.W.
Olympia, WA 98504
800-822-1067
Read More: Is Domestic Violence a Felony?
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Writer Bio
Rebekah Worsham began writing professionally in 2007 and has been published on eHow. She has expertise in the fields of law, parapsychology and the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. She holds a degrees in law from Beckfield College.