The OVW Fiscal Year 2025 Improving Criminal Justice Responses (ICJR) to Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Grant Program, administered by the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), is designed to enhance the criminal justice system’s response to violent crimes against women. This program supports comprehensive strategies that encourage collaboration among law enforcement, the judiciary, victim services, and other stakeholders to ensure effective intervention and accountability in cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

The program anticipates distributing awards ranging from $500,000 to $1,000,000 over a three-year project period. Eligible applicants include states, Indian tribal governments, local government entities, and courts. Subawards are permitted, enabling partnerships with community-based organizations, including nonprofit victim service providers. Cost-sharing or matching contributions are not required for this funding opportunity.

Key objectives of the program include strengthening victim safety and offender accountability through evidence-based practices, enhancing the capacity of communities to address violent crimes against women, and improving systemic collaboration to support victims. Specific activities may include training law enforcement and judicial personnel, developing specialized units to address violence against women, enhancing data collection systems, and providing services such as advocacy, counseling, and legal assistance to victims.

Applicants must submit a comprehensive proposal detailing their approach to achieving the program’s objectives, a detailed budget, and supporting documentation. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by the deadline specified in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with the program’s goals, the applicant’s capacity to implement the proposed activities, and the inclusion of underserved populations. A strong emphasis is placed on collaboration among criminal justice agencies, victim services, and community partners. Successful applicants will demonstrate a clear understanding of local needs and propose innovative solutions to address gaps in services and responses.

Awardees are required to comply with federal reporting and performance monitoring requirements, including semiannual performance reports and financial updates. Additionally, recipients must participate in technical assistance and training sessions provided by OVW to ensure effective implementation and sustainability of their projects.

For further information or assistance, potential applicants are encouraged to contact OVW directly using the details provided in the NOFO. This grant program represents a significant opportunity to enhance local and tribal responses to violence against women through coordinated, systemic improvements.