This bill amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to establish a new grant program aimed at enhancing support for sexual assault survivors. It authorizes the Secretary, through the Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services, to award grants to eligible entities. These grants are specifically designed to foster stronger relationships and create integrated systems of support between health and wellness providers, including behavioral health and disability programs, and community-based sexual assault programs. Eligible entities for these grants include State, territorial, and tribal sexual assault coalitions , as well as nonprofit community-based sexual assault programs like rape crisis centers and culturally specific organizations. Grant funds will be utilized to develop and implement programs that establish trauma-informed and culturally relevant partnerships , training, responses, and services. The overarching goal is to improve the comprehensive response to the health and well-being of sexual assault survivors across their lifespan, including adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Authorized activities under these grants are broad, encompassing the provision of services such as prevention, screening, linkages to care, therapy, support groups, and holistic healing. They also include substance-use services, temporary housing assistance, and personal advocacy through case management. Furthermore, the bill allocates a portion of funds for technical assistance and training to grantees, prioritizing entities with demonstrated expertise in culturally specific communities or services. To fund these initiatives, the bill authorizes an appropriation of $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 . It also permits up to $5,000,000 annually for federal administration, evaluation, and monitoring of the programs. This legislation seeks to build a more integrated and responsive public health system for sexual assault survivors by promoting collaboration and comprehensive, survivor-centered care.
This bill amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to establish a new grant program aimed at enhancing support for sexual assault survivors. It authorizes the Secretary, through the Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services, to award grants to eligible entities. These grants are specifically designed to foster stronger relationships and create integrated systems of support between health and wellness providers, including behavioral health and disability programs, and community-based sexual assault programs. Eligible entities for these grants include State, territorial, and tribal sexual assault coalitions , as well as nonprofit community-based sexual assault programs like rape crisis centers and culturally specific organizations. Grant funds will be utilized to develop and implement programs that establish trauma-informed and culturally relevant partnerships , training, responses, and services. The overarching goal is to improve the comprehensive response to the health and well-being of sexual assault survivors across their lifespan, including adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Authorized activities under these grants are broad, encompassing the provision of services such as prevention, screening, linkages to care, therapy, support groups, and holistic healing. They also include substance-use services, temporary housing assistance, and personal advocacy through case management. Furthermore, the bill allocates a portion of funds for technical assistance and training to grantees, prioritizing entities with demonstrated expertise in culturally specific communities or services. To fund these initiatives, the bill authorizes an appropriation of $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 . It also permits up to $5,000,000 annually for federal administration, evaluation, and monitoring of the programs. This legislation seeks to build a more integrated and responsive public health system for sexual assault survivors by promoting collaboration and comprehensive, survivor-centered care.