Sexual Assault Services Program Grant (SASP)

The Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) Grant in Oklahoma is intended to support the establishment, expansion, and continued provision of direct support services to victims of sexual assault, regardless of the victim’s age. It funds organizations that provide crisis intervention, advocacy, accompaniment to legal or medical proceedings, support groups, information and referrals, outreach, and the development of victim‑oriented materials. Under the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization of 2022, SASP’s definition of “intervention and related assistance” was expanded to include direct payments to victims or their household members for assault‑related costs (excluding perpetrators). Eligible applicants are non‑governmental victim services organizations or tribal victim services programs. These entities must be certified through the state Attorney General’s Office, unless they are from a federally recognized tribe (which are exempt from that requirement). The SASP funds may not be used for general education or prevention programs, but may be used for outreach efforts focused on informing potential victims about available services. Moreover, SASP funds cannot support activities inherent to law enforcement or prosecution or forensic exam services, though advocates funded by SASP may accompany victims through those processes. In Oklahoma, the SASP program is hosted by the District Attorneys Council (DAC), and applications are submitted via the state’s OKGrants portal. The 2025 application period opens on August 25 and will close October 13, 2025. Award decisions follow after the close, and successful subgrantees must comply with programmatic and financial reporting, adhere to allowable cost rules, and maintain confidentiality and victim privacy standards. Because the SASP is a formula grant from the federal Office on Violence Against Women, states distribute funds to eligible service providers through subgranting processes. State priorities guiding allocations include enhancing advocacy and access to direct services, improving service equity for underserved populations, and strengthening capacity of service providers. In Oklahoma, past SASP awards have supported victim service agencies across multiple counties, including trauma counseling, advocacy, and outreach to vulnerable, rural, and minority populations.

Emphasize capacity to serve underserved populations; ensure victim confidentiality; clearly justify direct payments; verify certification early