CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Governor Patrick Morrisey has announced more than $701,000 in grant funding to strengthen services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking in rural communities across West Virginia.
“Every West Virginian deserves to live free from violence and abuse, regardless of where they call home,” Morrisey said. “These grants help ensure victims in our rural communities have access to advocacy, shelter, crisis intervention, and other critical services when they need them most.”
The funding is provided through the West Virginia Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program and will support expanded advocacy, crisis intervention, housing assistance, court accompaniment, community outreach, and coordinated response efforts across the state. The grants are administered by the Justice and Community Services Section of the West Virginia Division of Administrative Services.
Three organizations were awarded funding:
- West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Inc. — $186,670 Supports co‑located advocates serving victims in rural communities statewide.
- Women’s Aid in Crisis, Inc. — $150,612 Funds advocacy, crisis intervention, housing assistance, referrals, and court accompaniment in Barbour, Randolph, and Tucker counties.
- Family Refuge Center — $136,897 Supports victim advocacy, crisis intervention, housing assistance, referrals, and court accompaniment for survivors in Greenbrier County.
State officials say the grants will help ensure rural victims have access to lifesaving services and support systems, even in communities where resources are limited.
