$375,000 grant awarded to SAFE Berks to combat domestic violence

State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, Wednesday announced the awarding of a $375,000 grant to support SAFE Berks’s initiative of combating violence against women.

The grant was awarded through the STOP Violence Against Women Statewide Grant Funding Program and administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

“Tragically, incidences of domestic violence against women continue to plague our community,” Guzman said. “These heartbreaking situations require immediate intervention, and this grant award will assist SAFE Berks in implementing the support these women need to overcome this trauma.

“Breaking the vicious cycle of domestic abuse by providing the necessary tools and support to empower these women is vital in combating, and eventually ending, domestic abuse. SAFE Berks does great work for our community by providing a safe haven for these women to take proactive steps to remove themselves and their loved ones from these awful situations.”

The grant will be utilized to continue a cross-system, collaborative response to violence against women crimes in the county. The intent of the project is to maintain specialized units in law enforcement and prosecution and direct services to victims of violence against women crimes in the county.

For more information, contact Guzman’s office at 610-376-1529.