View Research by Author - Kim M. Thompson

Citation URL: http://www.urban.org/KimMThompson

This evaluation reports findings from an Urban Institute telephone survey of STOP projects identified by their state coordinators as developing a community-wide coordinated response to combat violence against women. In particular, the survey explored and identified the types of STOP-funded projects with this goal, the permanence of changes resulting from these funds, gaps in service, and the impact STOP funding has had on services for women. The STOP grants are given to assist states and units of local government to develop and strengthen effective law enforcement and prosecution strategies to combat violent crimes against women, and to develop and strengthen victim services in cases involving violent crimes against women.

Since the STOP program began in 1995, the states have made great strides in implementing their own strategies for developing community responses to domestic violence and sexual assault. In telephone interviews, state STOP administrators are unanimous in their agreement that STOP money is achieving important things in the community. Some administrators say that without these funds, many of the violence against women programs that currently operate in their states would not exist; as one stated: "The VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) money is some of the most valuable funding our state receives."

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