Certified Assurances
Determination of suitability to interact with participating minors
Policy for response to workplace-related incidents of sexual misconduct, domestic violence, and dating violence
VOCA Certifications
STOP Violence Against Women Certifications
Family Violence and Prevention Services Certifications
Sexual Assault Services Program Certifications
Victim Assistance Assurances Certifications
Applicants are required to abide by the certified assurances associated with the relevant funding streams. Failure to abide by the certified assurances could suspend or terminate contracts associated with the violation of said assurance.
If you have any questions about certified assurances, please contact your grant coordinator.
Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) The purpose of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding is to provide high quality services that directly improve the health and well-being of victims of crime with priority given to victims of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault and services for previously underserved victims. The Office for Crime Victims (OVC) makes annual VOCA crime victim assistance grants from the Fund to states.
VOCA Certified Assurances
Your grant agreement instructs grant recipients to download the VOCA certified assurances and have the authorizing official and the project director read and sign it. Since here is no place in Iowa GVS for grantees to upload the signed VOCA assurances, they do not have to be signed; however, key personnel need to read, understand and comply with all conditions contained in the assurances.
STOP Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)-STOP Violence Against Women Funds promote a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to improving the criminal justice system's response to violence against women. This approach envisions a partnership among law enforcement, prosecution, the courts, victim advocates and service providers to ensure victim safety and offender accountability.
STOP Violence Against Women Certified Assurances
Your grant agreement instructs grant recipients to download the STOP VAWA certified assurances and have the authorizing official and the project director read and sign it. Since here is no place in Iowa GVS for grantees to upload the signed STOP VAWA assurances, they do not have to be signed; however, key personnel need to read, understand and comply with all conditions contained in the assurances.
Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) funding supports programs that prevent incidents of family violence, domestic violence and dating violence. FVPSA Programs provide immediate shelter, supportive services and access to community-based programs for victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence as well as for their dependents.
Family Violence and Prevention Services Certified Assurances
Your grant agreement instructs grant recipients to download the FVPSA certified assurances and have the authorizing official and the project director read and sign it. Since here is no place in Iowa GVS for grantees to upload the signed FVPSA assurances, they do not have to be signed; however, key personnel need to read, understand and comply with all conditions contained in the assurances.
Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) funding is to provide intervention, advocacy, accompaniment (e.g., accompanying victims to court, medical facilities, police departments, etc.), support services, and related assistance for adult, youth, and child victims of sexual assault, family and household members of victims and those collaterally affected by the sexual assault.
Sexual Assault Services Program Certified Assurances
Your grant agreement instructs grant recipients to download the SASP certified assurances and have the authorizing official and the project director read and sign it. Since here is no place in Iowa GVS for grantees to upload the signed SASP assurances, they do not have to be signed; however, key personnel need to read, understand and comply with all conditions contained in the assurances.
Victim Assistance Funding All grantees must read and abide by Victim Assistance certified assurances.
Your grant agreement instructs grant recipients to download the Victim Assistance certified assurances and have the authorizing official and the project director read and sign it. Since here is no place in Iowa GVS for grantees to upload the signed Victim Assistance assurances, they do not have to be signed; however, key personnel need to read, understand and comply with all conditions contained in the assurances.
Victim Assistance Certified Assurances
Determination of suitability to interact with participating minors
One of the special conditions included in all certified assurances is the determination of suitability to interact with participating minors. In summary, your agency must determine if covered individuals are suitable to interact with participating minors. OVW award condition document. This document provides the definition of this award condition, clarification from Victim Assistance, resources and additional information regarding working with minors. Please direct questions or concerns to Lori Miller.
Policy for response to workplace-related incidents of sexual misconduct, domestic violence, and dating violence -
One of the special conditions in the STOP VAWA and SASP certified assurances is the requirement to have a policy, or issue a policy within 270 days of the award date, to address workplace-related incidents of sexual misconduct, domestic violence, and dating violence involving an employee, volunteer, consultant, or contractor. The details of this requirement are posted on the OVW web site (Award Condition: Policy for response to workplace-related sexual misconduct, domestic violence, and dating violence). Your policy must include how you handle allegations, workplace supports and description of the adjudications that will result to carry out the grant funded project. Consider a workplace includes more than just office space, it includes areas where trainings are held, cars and telework.
Here is a model policy you can edit for your own agency.
See the OVW award condition document for more information.
The resource center, Workplaces Respond to Domestic and Sexual Violence provides resources to help organization implement policies.
