The Office of the Attorney General announced on Wednesday that Attorney General Ken Paxton awarded over $35 million in grant funds to non-profit organizations and local governments to help those who have dealt with sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking.
In a news release sent to The Dallas Express, the OAG detailed that $14,784,798 in state grants was allocated to 74 rape crisis centers, along with another $608,448 in federal grants allotted to 10 rape crisis centers.
Similarly, $10 million in state grants was distributed to nonprofits that offer support to crime victims not covered by OAG programs.
Another $2,611,320.76 was disseminated to 150 counties across the state to help provide round-the-clock information services and notifications to victims about court dates, parole hearings, and prison transfers.
The Supreme Court of Texas also received $2.5 million, which will be used to increase the amount of free or reduced-cost legal services available to crime victims.
Finally, 49 district attorneys and law enforcement offices received $2,312,850 of grant funds that will be used to advocate for victims of these crimes.
“Achieving justice for Texans who have been victims of senseless acts of crime is a sacred responsibility,” said Paxton in the press release.
“At every opportunity, I have fought for the vital state funding that serves crime victims whose experiences forever changed their lives and the lives of those they love. I am proud that these grant funds directly assist victims of crime through counseling services, advocacy, legal assistance, and other vital resources to promote healing.”
Paxton disbursed these grants in his official capacity as attorney general, having recently resumed the role after a failed attempt to impeach him on which The Dallas Express reported extensively.