AUBURN — Safe Voices, dedicated to supporting and empowering those affected by domestic violence in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties, has been awarded a three-year $737,447 grant through the Department of Justice’s Office of Violence Against Women.

The money will:

• Support one full-time assistant district attorney, one full-time sexual assault advocate, two part-time domestic violence advocates and a project coordinator;

• Increase victims’ knowledge of community resources, the justice system and the legal process and strategies for enhancing safety;

• Provide direct help to victims and their families affected by a deferred disposition case;

• Provide assistance to victims/survivors in developing and implementing a safety plan;

• Identify and address specific needs and gaps in services for culturally specific and underserved populations;

• Develop a protocol for handling and responding to domestic violence and sexual assault victims;

• Continue participation the Oxford County Domestic Violence Task Force and Sexual Assault Response Team meetings;

• Identify and address training needs; and

• Continue expansion of the  the Advocate-Initiated Response initiative.

“Safe Voices is thrilled to hear that we have been awarded this grant,” Executive Director Elise Johansen said. “We know that the work to end domestic violence and sexual assault is far from over and this funding will allow us to continue to partner with Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services and the District Attorney’s Office in Oxford County as we work towards enhancing services, fostering a victim-centered system response, and working closely with the seven local law enforcement agencies and Sheriff’s Department, the legal system, medical professionals and the community.”

Safe Voices has provided emergency and support services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence and stalking since 1977. It has community-based offices in Farmington, Lewiston, Norway-South Paris and Rumford for one-on-one advocacy, support groups, children’s services, community resources information and referral, court advocacy, transporting and accommodation for shelter, transitional services, community education, professional trainings and a 24-hour helpline.

The funding was provided through the Rural Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking Assistance Program, which implements certain provisions of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, was an original co-sponsor and U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, was a co-sponsor of the reauthorization of VAWA, which was signed into law on March 7, 2013.