NORTHAMPTON, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office has been awarded a $126,162 grant through the federal Violence Against Women Act grant program.
The grant, administered by the Massachusetts Office of Grants and Research, will support services for survivors of intimate partner violence and stalking, strengthen coordinated responses, and improve public safety across the region.
From the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office:
Northwestern DA’s Office Receives $126K to Support Survivors of
Domestic and Sexual Violence
NORTHAMPTON — The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office (NWDAO) has been awarded a $126,162 grant
through the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant program.
The grant, administered by the Massachusetts Office of Grants and Research, will support services for survivors
of intimate partner violence and stalking, strengthen coordinated responses, and improve public safety across
the region.
The funding will support the NWDAO’s existing Domestic Violence Intervention Project (DVIP), an early
intervention model that provides an immediate, coordinated response between law enforcement and victim
advocates for individuals impacted by domestic and sexual violence. Through this long-standing program,
which first began in 1996, victims are connected with a community-based advocate with specialized training
immediately after an interaction with law enforcement. The program utilizes advocates from Behavioral Health
Network (in Hampshire County) and the Resilience Center (in Franklin County) to provide this crucial crisis
intervention and support. In addition, NWDAO staff conduct ongoing outreach and trainings for police officers
focused on trauma-informed response and on-scene risk assessment.
“This funding allows us to strengthen how we respond to intimate partner violence across our region,” said
Katie Rosewarne, Director of Domestic and Sexual Violence Projects. “By focusing on early intervention,
training, and collaboration with community partners, we’re improving safety and making sure survivors have
meaningful support.”
The NWDAO serves Hampshire and Franklin counties and the Town of Athol, working to ensure public safety
through prosecution, prevention, and community partnership.