Overview
The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) is the primary federal grant program dedicated to supporting state, tribal, and territorial efforts to prevent and respond to domestic violence. FVPSA provides essential funding to domestic violence shelters, crisis hotlines, advocacy services, and prevention programs across the United States. In Nevada, FVPSA funding is administered by the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) to support community-based organizations that offer safety, shelter, and critical support services for victims of domestic, family, and dating violence.
Purpose
The purpose of FVPSA is to provide emergency shelter and supportive services to individuals affected by domestic violence, including adults and their dependents. The program seeks to ensure that victims have access to immediate safety, crisis counseling, legal advocacy, and other supportive resources necessary for recovery and self-sufficiency. Additionally, FVPSA funds prevention initiatives aimed at reducing the prevalence of domestic violence through public education and community outreach.
Funding Distribution
FVPSA funds are distributed annually to state and tribal agencies, which then allocate grants to eligible community-based organizations. The approximate funding allocation for Nevada is as follows:
- 74% for immediate shelter and supportive services
- 26% for supportive services and prevention initiative
Grant awards are determined based on demonstrated need, geographic distribution, and federal priority populations.
Federal Priority Victim Populations
FVPSA prioritizes funding for services that support underserved populations, including:
- Individuals living in rural and frontier communities
- Ethnic and racial minorities who face barriers to accessing services
- Members of the LGBTQ+ community
- Male victims of domestic violence
Organizations receiving FVPSA funding must demonstrate their ability to serve these populations equitably and without discrimination.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants for FVPSA funding include:
- Nonprofit and faith-based organizations that provide domestic violence services
- Federally recognized tribal organizations supporting victims of domestic violence
- Public agencies and other entities that operate domestic violence shelters or provide direct support services to victims
- Programs ensuring survivor confidentiality and safety
All applicants must comply with federal non-discrimination and civil rights requirements.
Allowable Activities
FVPSA funds may be used to support the following services and activities:
Direct Victim Services
- Emergency Shelter: Temporary housing for victims and their dependents
- Crisis Intervention: 24/7 hotlines, emergency response, and case management
- Safety Planning: Risk assessment and individualized safety strategies
- Legal Advocacy: Support in obtaining protective orders and navigating the legal system
- Counseling Services: Trauma-informed mental health support and peer counseling
- Children's Services: Childcare, counseling, and educational support for dependents of victims
Prevention and Community Outreach
- Education and Awareness: Community campaigns to prevent domestic violence
- Training for Professionals: Law enforcement, healthcare providers, and educators
- Support Groups: Programs promoting healing and empowerment for survivors
- Collaboration and Coordination: Strengthening partnerships among service providers