CHAMBERSBURG – In a unanimous decision this week, Franklin County Commissioners approved the renewal of a STOP grant application aimed at continuing critical support services for victims of crimes against women.
The $31,250 grant, if awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, will fund a portion of salaries for staff within the district attorney’s office. These employees specifically assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other gender-based crimes.
“This is a great opportunity to continue supporting those who help protect women in our county,” said one commissioner. “Any funding we can secure that strengthens the efforts of our district attorney’s office is a win for Franklin County.”
The STOP grant (Services, Training, Officers, Prosecutors) is a multi-year program that the county has participated in for several years. It supports coordinated responses among law enforcement, prosecution and victim services agencies. In Franklin County’s case, it includes a long-standing collaboration with Women In Need, the region’s primary crisis intervention and advocacy organization.
District Attorney Ian Brink previously advocated for increased resources in the 2025 budget cycle, which saw countywide cuts to public safety and government services. This grant helps offset some of those reductions, ensuring that victim advocacy roles within his office remain funded through the upcoming year.
The grant will cover a portion of salaries from January through December 2025. Final approval of funding is contingent on state-level decisions by the crime commission later this year.
Commissioners voiced their hope that the application would be successful and praised both the grant program and the staff it supports. “This kind of funding strengthens our entire system of justice and safety, and the services provided are invaluable to our residents,” one commissioner added.
