WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced that the Department of Justice has awarded the James City County Police Department in Williamsburg, Virginia $450,000 through a grant to support programs that help prevent sexual assault and domestic violence.

“One in three homicide victims in Virginia is the victim of domestic or family violence,” said Warner. “These funds will support victims in Williamsburg and James City County area and provide police and prosecutors with important resources to hold offenders accountable and put violent criminals behind bars.”

“This federal funding will help local law enforcement officials track and prosecute incidents of sexual assault and domestic violence against women,” Kaine said. “I’m pleased this grant will help ensure Williamsburg and James City County have the necessary resources and training to support survivors, hold perpetrators accountable and prevent crime.”  

Today’s federal funding, which was awarded through the Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies and Enforcement of Protection Orders Program, will be used by the James City County Police Department for education and training programs that will help criminal justice professionals investigate and prosecute individuals who are suspected of crimes against women. In 2013, Warner and Kaine supported the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, a bill that authorizes the funding available in today’s grant and essential protection for survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse.