$1.6M awarded to Kansas to support survivors of domestic violence

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced more than $1.6 million has been awarded to Kansas to prevent family, domestic, and dating violence; to support victims of such violence; and to increase noncustodial parents’ time with their children safely. Funds are granted by the Federal Health and Human Services for the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) and the Federal State Access and Visitation Program (SAVP).

“It is imperative we do everything we can to ensure access and support for survivors of domestic violence,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The programs being funded are critical to the safety and well-being of the survivors and families impacted by those situations.”

The FVPSA grants provide funds to domestic violence programs that ensure free services are available 24 hours a day for domestic violence victims and their children. Programs provide shelter, support groups, crisis intervention, advocacy in obtaining protection orders, transportation, and prevention education in schools and communities.

The SAVP grants provide funds to increase noncustodial parents’ access to and time with their children and provide services that benefit both parents with safeguards to minimize the risk of family violence for program participants. SAVP-funded agencies provide on-site supervision, exchange monitoring, therapeutic supervision, recording observations of visits, referrals to other services, and educational parenting classes.