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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 13, 2004

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES OVER $990,000 FOR CENTRAL NEW YORK DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES

Oneida, and Onondaga Counties will use funds to provide legal services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking

As a Congressman, Schumer was the chief sponsor of 1994 Violence Against Women Act and pushed to re-authorize it as a Senator in 2000

US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the US Department of Justice has awarded over $990,000 in Office of Justice Programs (OJP) grants to Oneida and Onondaga Counties under the Legal Assistance for Victims Grant Program to fund legal services for domestic violence, sexual assault and/or stalking victims.

"When it comes to domestic violence, we need to come at the problem three ways at once: tough on the crime, smart on the prevention, and compassion for victims," Schumer said. "These programs will do that by providing services ranging from advice for the victims to training community organizations to do the same."

The Legal Assistance for Victims Grant (LAV) Program was created in the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act of 2000. The Office of Violence Against Women funds projects that provide comprehensive legal services which enhances victims safety and strengthens their economic security.

The Frank H. Hiscock Legal Aid Society (LAS) in Syracuse will receive $440,340 to provide safety planning, advice and representation in divorce, separation, custody, housing, employment, and guardianship matters cases. LAS will further strengthen their legal advocacy programs by working with the Vera House Volunteer Program in Family Court and the Central New York Women's Bar Association.

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York (LASMNY) in Utica will receive $551,399 to lead the Central New York Victim Assistance Project - a collaborative effort between LASMNY and agencies over 12 counties in Central New York to provide legal assistance to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking victims. The program will provide assistance to approximately 800 cases, with project staff reaching out to underdeserved racial and ethnic communities, immigrants and refugees, and geographically isolated victims.

Schumer was the chief House sponsor of the 1994 Violence Against Women Act which gives victims of domestic violence the right to sue their attackers in federal court. As a Senator, Schumer co-sponsored the re-authorization of the bill in 2000.

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