Omaha Domestic Violence Programs Get Boost with Federal Grant - FOX 42: Omaha News, Sports and Weather; kptm.com |

Nicole Ebat

OMAHA(KPTM)-- Domestic violence programs in Omaha are about to get a big boost.

The Omaha City Council voted unanimously today to grant more than half a million dollars to various programs that help victims get a new start.

The money comes from a federal grant designed to help programs that provide victim assistance work together with the criminal justice system.

"It is about us together saying as a community we will be intolerant of this and we're going to put our money where we can actually work to stop it," said Lynn Pollitt a director at the Women's Center for Advancement.

Some focus on providing support to victims, but also work with local law officers on enforcing protection orders, also known as restraining orders.

The grant also is designed to help law enforcement crack down on arresting more domestic violence offenders.

The Heartland Family Service says it plans to use its portion of the grant for providing a person who can be available anytime a victim needs help.

"The physical part of it is usually the easiest part for victims to deal with because the bruises go away, the broken bones heal. But it's that emotional part that usually shocks them and they're unaware of how long that can last," said Dawn Conley with The Heartland Family Service.

If you or anyone you know is involved in a domestic violence situation, you can call the hotline at 1-800-523-3666.