South Dakota Network Against Family Violence & Sexual Assault

Criminal/civil justice and advocacyfrom july 1, 2023 to june 30, 2024, on the improving criminal justice response grant, 24 trainings were provided to 661 professionals on topics related to the criminal justice process and protection orders. In addition to trainings, the process was started to determine minimum standards for all victim advocates in south dakota.the stop grant provides training for incoming and seasoned law enforcement, prosecutor and victim advocate professionals across the state, as well as law enforcement officers relocating to south dakota from other states that are required to undergo "reciprocity" training on the topic of domestic violence. Training topics include but are not limited to trauma-informed response, dynamics of domestic violence, domestic violence investigations and laws, interviewing techniques and evidence collection, officer safety, and victim services. From july 1, 2023, through june 30, 2024, there were a total of 21 training event days completed across the state. A total of 375 professionals were trained during these events, with 151 of those being incoming law enforcement officers. 14 law enforcement officers underwent "reciprocity" training.

Legal assistancefrom july 2023 until june 2024, grant attorneys contracted for the legal assistance for victims project were able to provide civil legal service to 95 victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The legal grant currently has 5 attorneys providing civil legal assistance throughout south dakota. Areas of coverage the attorneys provide include the rapid city area, sioux falls area, central south dakota, and the aberdeen area, which aims to encompass all of south dakota's regions. An attorney based in sioux falls assists immigration related cases for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking under this grant. Legal services include, but are not limited to, employment, housing matters, campus administrative or protection or stay away order proceedings, post-trial matters, credit restoration, divorce and child custody.

Transitional housing the ovw transitional housing grant provides rental assistance to victims/survivors who are homeless as a result of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking. The funds in this grant program are also used to provide case management and occupational therapy to victims/survivors. The network partners with missouri shores domestic violence center, working against violence incorporated, children's home shelter for family safety, and call to freedom to provide these essential services statewide. During the fy23-24, transitional housing rental assistance was provided to 21 survivors. Case management and occupational therapy services were also provided during that time.