LIHUE — The County of Kauai Office of the Prosecuting Attorney was awarded $163,000 to establish and fund a Sex Assault Prosecution Unit. “This sends a clear and powerful message that we are committed to combating sexual assault in our
LIHUE — The County of Kauai Office of the Prosecuting Attorney was awarded $163,000 to establish and fund a Sex Assault Prosecution Unit.
“This sends a clear and powerful message that we are committed to combating sexual assault in our community,” said Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar. “These funds will allow us to redouble our efforts to seek justice on behalf of the victims and survivors of Kauai.”
The goals of the unit will be the conviction and punishment of the offender, victim safety and a sense that their voices are being heard, according to a news release.
Other objectives will include letting the community know of the danger posed by the offender, creating a record and holding the offender accountable, and reducing the likelihood that the offender will commit more assaults.
The money will fund salaries and other expenses associated with the unit.
The grant funds are from Hawaii’s allocation of federal Fiscal Year 2014 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program/Grants to States and Territories.
A portion of the funds will also support the YWCA’s Sex Assault Treatment Program.
“This funding will help the victims of sexual assault find the justice they seek by holding offenders accountable for their horrible crimes,” said YWCA Executive Director Renae Hamilton.
