WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Representative Dan Maffei today announced that the Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency, Inc. in Auburn has been awarded $364,681 through the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. The Agency will use this funding to strengthen their existing programs that support survivors of domestic violence. This grant will also be used to hire a court advocate to help victims navigate the legal system and support victims in court.
“This funding is will provide essential support and services to the victims of domestic abuse,” said Senator Schumer. “With these funds, the Cayuga-Seneca Community Action Agency can continue to serve some of our most vulnerable people and children through enhanced counseling and legal services.”
“Survivors of domestic violence should not be expected to navigate the judicial system on their own. We need to support and protect survivors and help them receive justice as they put their lives back together,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding for the Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency will help provide survivors of domestic violence with the legal services and support they need to have their voices heard.”
“It is so important that survivors of domestic and sexual abuse have a place to turn to help them get back on their feet,” said Rep. Maffei. “This funding will ensure Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency, Inc. is able to continue providing essential support and advocacy services to domestic violence survivors in our local communities. I will continue to fight for these critical resources for agencies across Central New York that are working to make our families safer.”
“This funding is more great news for our organization, and will allow us to enhance our advocacy efforts for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Cayuga County,” said Laurie Piccolo, Executive Director of Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency, Inc. “We appreciate Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Rep. Maffei for their continued support in advocating for these critical resources.”
Authorization of funding for the Office of Violence Against Women was included in the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act in 2013. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Rep. Maffei were cosponsors of this legislation. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Rep. Maffei recently announced $352,416 for the Cayuga/ Seneca Community Action Agency, Inc. to use to provide transitional housing assistance for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.