BOSTON-Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy today announced that the Massachusetts Executive Office Public Safety and Security would receive $2,313,450 from the Department of Justice’s STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program to help combat violence against women.

The funding will help the office to encourage the development and implementation of effective, victim-centered law enforcement, prosecution, and court strategies to address violent crimes against women. It will also enhance its victim services in cases involving violent crimes against women.

“Violence against women affects every single aspect of a woman’s life – from her safety and well-being to her ability to earn a living and care for her family. This investment has the potential to make an enormous difference in the lives of women across Massachusetts. I am pleased that the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security will be able to continue to promote its message that there is absolutely no excuse for domestic violence,” said Senator Kerry.

Kennedy spokesperson Melissa Wagoner said, “Violence against women is a crime with severe consequences that reverberate throughout our society, and we need to do more to assist states in the ongoing battle against such abuse. Senator Kennedy is delighted the Commonwealth is receiving this significant federal grant to expand its efforts to prevent domestic violence and assist its victims.”

Kerry was an original cosponsor of the Violence Against Women Act, which has provided over $1 billion for battered women's shelters, hotlines, and other crucial resources. The Violence Against Women Act also significantly strengthened federal law by including several new federal crimes and enhanced penalties for acts of domestic violence


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