In 2004, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation creating the Virginia Domestic Violence Victim Fund (VDVVF). In 2006, the Virginia General Assembly passed additional legislation changing the name of the fund from the Virginia Domestic Violence Victim Fund to the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund (VSDVVF), effective July 1, 2006. This change more accurately reflects the purpose of the funding and clarifies that resources should be focused on addressing both sexual and domestic violence.

The Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is the administering agency for this fund. Therefore, pursuant to § 9.1-116.1 of the Code of Virginia, DCJS is announcing the availability of funding to assist in protecting and providing necessary services to victims of and/or children affected by sexual violence, domestic violence, stalking, and family abuse.

Over the two-year grant period, approximately $2.4 million will support projects in non-profit programs, local units of government, and state agencies that provide services to victims of and/or children affected by sexual violence, domestic violence, stalking and family abuse.

Additionally, over the two-year grant period, approximately $2.4 million will also be distributed to local attorneys for the Commonwealth for the purpose of funding the cost of attorneys or to further dedicate existing resources to prosecute felonies and misdemeanors involving sexual violence, domestic violence, stalking, and family abuse. These prosecution grants will be made through a separate process. Eligible applicants in the prosecution category will be determined based on a formula and will be notified by DCJS if they qualify for funding.

Funds allocated during this cycle will be for the 24-month period July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2017. Separate awards will be made for each fiscal year cycle (July 1 to June 30). These guidelines provide detailed guidance to aid applicants seeking funds. Using the guidance presented in this document, applicants should be able to efficiently and effectively prepare complete applications.