OVW FY 2017 Domestic Violence Mentor Court Technical Assistance Initiative | OVW 2017 12160

Opportunity Information: Apply for OVW 2017 12160

The OVW FY 2017 Domestic Violence Mentor Court Technical Assistance Initiative is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), designed to strengthen how courts handle domestic violence cases by spreading proven, court-based practices. The core idea is to formally recognize well-established specialized domestic violence courts that have demonstrated effective strategies for victim safety and offender accountability, and then support those courts in mentoring other jurisdictions that want to improve their own responses. Rather than reinventing solutions, the initiative leans on courts that have already refined approaches over many years and positions them as practical, peer-to-peer resources for courts seeking change.

Through this initiative, selected Mentor Courts act as national models and provide hands-on technical assistance to other courts and court-based programs. That support can include hosting on-site visits so other jurisdictions can observe operations in real time, connecting courts with peers who face similar local constraints or challenges, and helping courts adopt and implement best practices that are known to work in the domestic violence context. The emphasis is on practical improvement in day-to-day court responses: better coordination, more consistent and informed decision-making, approaches that prioritize survivor safety, and procedures that increase accountability for people who commit domestic violence. OVW notes that these cases are difficult and complex, and the Mentor Court approach is meant to translate experience into guidance that other courts can actually use.

For FY 2017, OVW is open to both continuation applications and new Mentor Court projects, meaning existing Mentor Courts may seek to continue their work while new, qualified specialized courts may apply to join the initiative. Awards are made as cooperative agreements, which generally signals a closer working relationship with the funding agency compared to a standard grant, often involving more ongoing collaboration, coordination, and oversight tied to the technical assistance mission. The opportunity is categorized under Law, Justice and Legal Services and is associated with CFDA number 16.029.

Key administrative details include the funding opportunity number OVW 2017 12160, a posted date of January 18, 2017, and an original closing date of March 8, 2017. OVW anticipated making up to 12 awards, with an award ceiling of $75,000. Eligibility is listed as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement, which typically means applicants must consult the solicitation to confirm whether their court, jurisdiction, or administering entity meets OVW's specific criteria for being considered a specialized domestic violence court capable of mentoring others.

Overall, the initiative is aimed at improving system performance by leveraging courts that have already established effective domestic violence practices and enabling them to transfer that knowledge through structured technical assistance. The practical outcome OVW is seeking is a stronger, more consistent court response that better protects victims and holds offenders accountable, achieved through mentorship, peer learning, and implementation support rather than purely theoretical training.

• The Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "OVW FY 2017 Domestic Violence Mentor Court Technical Assistance Initiative" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 16.029.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jan 18, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 08, 2017. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $75,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 12 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for OVW 2017 12160

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