One of the primary sources of funding for FRIS comes from the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), specifically the Rape Prevention Education Health Block Grant funds through a sex offense designation (previously Rape Set Aside funds). Those federal funds are distributed by Congress annually to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The funds are distributed by the CDC to the WV Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). DHHR passes most of the funds through to FRIS for distribution for prevention programming. FRIS’ distribution to the rape crisis centers is can be found in the contractual line item in FRIS’ budget. The RPE funds must be used for rape prevention and cannot be used for intervention services. A certain portion of the funds historically has been designated to be used by each center to hire a part-time Prevention Education Specialist. Each rape crisis center submits an application and detailed budget to FRIS annually for activities that align with the state’s prevention plan that has been approved by CDC. Grant awards and contracts are sent to each agency.
Purpose: The overarching purpose of the Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) program is to prevent sexual violence (SV) perpetration and victimization by using a public health approach to decrease SV risk factors and increase SV protective factors through the implementation and evaluation of prevention strategies based on the best available evidence across multiple levels of the Social Ecological Model. Community and environmental improvements are expected related to providing opportunities to empower and support girls and women, creating protective environments, and promoting social norms that protect against violence. These changes are expected to culminate in increases in protective factors and decreases in risk factors related to SV, ultimately leading to decreasing the rates of SV perpetration and victimization.
Grant Year. Grant year runs February 1 through January 31.
Reporting requirements. All centers are recipients of RPE funds from FRIS and must submit monthly financial reports with appropriate supporting documentation and request for funds to the FRIS finance coordinator by the 15th of the following month. Payment is made on a reimbursement basis. Once FRIS receives the funds from DHHR, disbursements are made. A monthly narrative report is submitted to the FRIS Education Coordinator. CDC requires an extensive annual report from each agency receiving funding.
Grant Number: RR-22-005
Grant Timeline: February to January
Required Reports:
- JCS Timesheet (Monthly)
- RPE Progress Report (Monthly)
- Staff Itinerary (Monthly)
- RDVIC Bi-Weekly Timesheet
Forms Link: Click Here to Access RPE Forms
Grant Allowable Expenses
