The Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Program is intended to increase the availability of civil and criminal legal assistance needed to effectively aid adult and youth victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking by providing funds for comprehensive direct legal services to victims in legal matters relating to or arising out of that abuse or violence. Comprehensive legal services extend beyond representation in emergency and non-emergency protection order hearings to address the broad spectrum of legal issues that victims encounter, including family matters such as divorce, child custody or child support, immigration, administrative agency proceedings, and consumer or housing matters.
“Legal assistance” is assistance in civil (excluding torts) or administrative matters; criminal justice investigations, prosecutions of the offender, and post-conviction matters that impact victims’ safety, privacy, or other interests as a victim; alternative dispute resolution, restorative practices, or other processes that promote victim safety, privacy, and autonomy, and offender accountability; or post-conviction relief proceedings in state, local, Tribal, or territorial court. All matters must be related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking victimization. Intake or referral alone is not legal assistance. 34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(24)(C) and (D).
Eligible applicants are limited to: private nonprofit entities; publicly funded organizations not acting in a governmental capacity; territorial organizations; Indian tribal governments; and tribal organizations.
In 2023, the LAV Program gave out 55 awards totaling $39.63 million.
Once posted, the solicitation to apply for this program can be found on OVW’s website. Members of the public can also sign up for notifications on that website, and grant announcements are posted to OVW’s Twitter.
This program is authorized by 34 U.S.C. § 20121.