Chippewa Cree receiving crime victim services funding

Press release

BILLINGS — U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme announced Wedensday $1,894,452 in Department of Justice grants to improve services for crime victims in Montana.

The Chippewa Cree Tribe at Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation received $394,452 of the distribution.

Montana Legal Services Association received $1,000,000 and Montana Board of Crime Control received $500,000

"It takes remarkable courage for crime victims to recover and to hold the perpetrators accountable so they harm no more victims. We are very pleased these funds are coming to Montana to provide help and support to our victims," U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana Kurt Alme said.

The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of more than $144 million distributed to enhance the district's response to victims of crime throughout the United States.

“As lockdowns and lawlessness fuel crime in America’s homes and communities, more people are vulnerable to victimization and those who have been victimized face new hurdles,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Office of Justice Programs is committed to giving our victim service partners the tools they need to better serve their clients and protect victims’ rights.”

The awards made to organizations in Montana will advance the use of technology, improve community preparedness and law enforcement training and provide emergency and transitional shelter to assist victims of crime. Programs will also support victims of child abuse and fund research projects related to perpetrators and victims of elder abuse. Approximately $64.3 million was awarded under Office for Victims of Crime grant programs; over $54.1 million was awarded under Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention programs; over $19.9 million was awarded under Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking grant programs and nearly $5.7 million was awarded under two National Institute of Justice grant programs.