OVW Fiscal Year 2025 Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Research Initiative

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) is offering the FY 2025 Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Research Initiative (SAFE Research Initiative) to support comprehensive research that informs improvements in sexual assault medical forensic care across the United States. Created in 1995, OVW leads national efforts against domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This initiative is authorized under 34 U.S.C. § 40723 and aims to advance understanding and accessibility of services related to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) and Medical Forensic Exams (MFEs). The primary purpose of the grant is to support research on access to SANEs, availability of facilities that provide MFEs, existing barriers, training standards, the availability of victim advocates, funding mechanisms for SANE training, and overall costs associated with SAFEs. The recipient of the grant will work closely with OVW to collect, analyze, and disseminate this information, which will inform a report to Congress and contribute to a publicly accessible webpage on OVW’s site. The project will also involve co-creating content and maintaining digital infrastructure to ensure ongoing utility of the data. Applicants must be either nonprofit organizations or institutions of higher education. Foreign entities and those holding funds in offshore accounts for tax evasion are ineligible. Applications deemed incomplete or noncompliant with specific requirements will not be considered. Importantly, there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this funding. Applications require submission through both Grants.gov and JustGrants, with deadlines set for June 27, 2025, and July 1, 2025, respectively. Optional letters of intent are encouraged by June 2, 2025. The anticipated award notification date is September 30, 2025, and the award period spans 24 months beginning October 1, 2025. Only one award, up to $1,500,000, will be granted under this NOFO. Applications must include detailed project narratives, budgets, and several appendices, including letters of commitment, documentation of research integrity, and data archiving plans. Evaluation will be based on responsiveness to outlined research goals, potential impact, qualifications, and dissemination strategy. OVW retains a cooperative role in project implementation, including significant input in planning and execution. For assistance, applicants may contact OVW via phone at 202-307-6026 or email at OVW.Research@usdoj.gov. Detailed submission instructions, formatting rules, and technical support contacts are included in the NOFO, along with provisions for applicants facing technical difficulties or natural disasters. Final awards are contingent upon satisfactory completion of risk reviews and adherence to OVW's administrative and civil rights standards.