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City accepts $500,000 DOJ grant to fund high‑risk domestic violence response team
Summary
The fiscal committee approved acceptance of a $500,000 award from the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women to fund a multidisciplinary high-risk domestic violence team, covering partial salaries for a GRPD social worker and advocates from community partners.
The Grand Rapids Fiscal Committee voted to accept a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women to support a high‑risk, multidisciplinary team aimed at intervening in and reducing near‑fatal domestic violence incidents.
Mr. Bridal (speaker 6) described the grant as $500,000 over three years and said it will fund 50% of salary and benefits for a social worker in victim services at the police department, 60% of salary and benefits for a bilingual crisis advocate through Safe Haven Ministries, and 60% of salary and benefits for a crisis intervention advocate who responds on scene to domestic assault survivors. He said the program’s intent is to “have government and community come together,” naming GRPD, Safe Haven Ministries and the YWCA as partners.
Commissioners thanked staff and the partner agencies for securing the award and noted recent local observances for domestic violence awareness. The committee approved the resolution by voice vote; Chair (speaker 5) announced the motion carried.
Staff said the grant will require the city to form a high‑risk multidisciplinary team focusing on victims at elevated risk of near‑fatal or fatal injuries and that the funding structure covers partial salaries for the positions described. No detailed implementation timeline was discussed in the meeting record; staff indicated program staffing and partner coordination would follow the grant award procedures.
