State awards more than $8.5 million to support victim services, recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) today announced more than $8.5 million in grant funding awarded to 69 unique organizations across Indiana that provide critical services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse.

The announcement comes as Indiana Governor Mike Braun recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month, underscoring the state’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to safety, support, and trauma-informed services for survivors.

“Indiana remains committed to ensuring every Hoosier has access to safety, stability, and compassionate, high-quality support,” Gov. Braun said. “These investments help expand the programs that protect victims, strengthen families, and build safer communities across our state.”

ICJI Executive Director Douglas Huntsinger said the funding reflects the state’s priority of meeting victims’ needs through a strong network of local partners.

“Our communities rely on organizations that step forward every day to support survivors with dignity and care,” Huntsinger said. “These organizations are a lifeline for people navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and this investment ensures they have the resources necessary to respond effectively when someone turns to them for help.”

This year’s awards include $3.9 million through the federal Services, Training, Officers, Prosecutors (STOP) Violence Against Women Grant, provided to 49 organizations to support coordinated, community-driven responses to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. STOP funds will help strengthen court programs, enhance law enforcement and prosecution activities, and expand victim services statewide. A complete list of 2026 STOP award recipients is available at on.in.gov/STOP2026.

In addition, three law enforcement agencies and one Northwest Indiana organization received a combined $131,000 in STOP funds designated for law enforcement training, policy development, and implementation of evidence-based practices. A complete list of 2026 STOP-LEA recipients is available at on.in.gov/STOP-LEA2026.

ICJI awarded an additional $2.7 million in federal Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) grants to 35 organizations. These funds support emergency shelter operations, crisis intervention services, prevention programming, and resources for children exposed to violence. A complete list of 2026 FVPSA award recipients is available at on.in.gov/FVPSA2026. 

The agency also awarded $1.7 million through the Sexual Assault Victims Assistance Fund (SAVAF) to 13 organizations. SAVAF, appropriated by the Indiana General Assembly, is intended to expand and maintain Rape Crisis Centers and strengthen trauma-informed sexual assault services throughout the state. The full list of 2026 SAVAF recipients is available at on.in.gov/SAVAF2026.

All grants were approved by the ICJI Board of Trustees on September 4.