Montana News
State approves changes to domestic violence survivor funding
With Montana News, I'm Elinor Smith. The Montana Board of Crime Control voted Wednesday to change how it funds organizations that help survivors of domestic violence. More of the money will now go where demand for services is highest. The money comes from the federal program to prevent violence against women. Montana receives over $1 million a year from it to strengthen victim services in the state. Historically, the grants have been distributed equally among organizations that applied. This grant cycle, money will be handed out proportionally based on organization need. In 2023, 44% of assaults and 35% of homicides that took place in Montana were related to domestic violence.