The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), Division of Public Health (DPH) announces the availability of funds for organizations to implement programs or initiatives that strengthen economic supports. Over the next five years (2024–2029), Wisconsin’s Sexual Violence Prevention (SVP) Program will partner with state and local organizations to address root causes of sexual violence (SV). In alignment with the SVP Program State Action Plan, this funding opportunity will support strategies that strengthen economic supports and improve pay equity. This program is funded by Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) Grant. Employment, stable housing, financial stability, and food security are important protective factors for someone’s risk of SV victimization. Policies and programs that work to improve financial stability can also reduce the risk factors associated with SV victimization. Two approaches with existing evidence are strengthening household financial security and establishing family-friendly policies. Strengthening household financial security addresses some violence risk factors, including poverty, unemployment, financial stress and hardship, childcare instability, parental stress, family conflict, depression, and gender inequality. Family-friendly policies may change the context for households by improving the balance between work and family responsibilities, while helping ensure economic security, which is a protective factor against multiple forms of violence. Some example policies that tie to this area include family friendly policies like paid family leave as well as pay equity for livable and equitable wages. Desired outcomes could include increased access to employment and increased and equitable income for people and groups most impacted by sexual violence. Possible strategies that support these outcomes include job readiness programming and educational opportunities that lead to employment; policies and practices to support caregiving; work-life balance and overall health; and policies and practices to improve more inclusive and equitable hiring practices. Please note that funds cannot be used for lobbying activities. See Anti-Lobbying Restrictions for CDC Grantees for more information.
