Press Releases

Scranton, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) announced that $750,000 in federal funds have been awarded to the Women’s Resource Center in Scranton from the Department of Justice (DOJ), Office on Violence Against Women.

The Legal Assistance for Victims Grant Program is intended to increase the availability of civil and criminal legal assistance needed to effectively aid adult and youth victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.

“I am proud to support the Women’s Resource Center and the work they do connecting the adults and children of domestic violence to the support and legal assistance they need and by helping them heal and move forward with their lives,” said Rep. Cartwright, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee, where he oversees more than $70 billion in annual federal spending, including the budget for the Department of Justice. “I am pleased such an important federal investment is being made and the Center will have access to the support they need to help keep adults, children and families safe.”

“Our Barbara J. Hart Justice Center utilizes the combined skills of dedicated attorneys and advocates to provide legal assistance to program participants. Having an attorney is often crucial in the process of leaving an abusive situation and gaining safety after a sexual assault. Six out of ten WRC program participants require legal assistance. Currently, the Justice Center serves over 100 clients per year and there is a six-month waiting list. This funding is critical for the protection of our survivors and their families,” said Margaret A. Ruddy, Executive Director for the Women’s Resource Center serving Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties.