RURAL FAITH-BASED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAM EVALUATION Rural Faith-Based Domestic Violence Program Evaluation The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2005 launched a national initiative to create and expand domestic violence programming in rural areas through small, faith-based and community organizations. To administer the initiative, OVW selected three agencies as “intermediaries” to identify and recruit local sub-grantees in designated geographical areas; provide them with pre- and post-award technical assistance to enhance the delivery of domestic violence services; and build their capacities to continue to offer such services after grant expiration. AHP is evaluating the roles and effectiveness of these agencies and faith-based organizations. Specifically, the evaluation is examining whether the use of intermediary agencies provides an effective mechanism to recruit and expand the number of rural service providers among local faith-based and community organizations, including those that never have provided domestic violence services before the initiative. The evaluation is also determining whether these local organizations can offer effective domestic violence services, how they coordinate with existing domestic violence, social service and criminal justice agencies where appropriate, and whether they can sustain their programming beyond a one-year grant period. The evaluation utilizes both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The project features annual grantee meetings designed and implemented by AHP staff.
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