CHARLESTON – Gov. Joe Manchin has announced the awarding of $985,809 in STOP Violence Against Women Grant Program funds for 27 projects across the state.

These funds establish or enhance teams whose core members include victim service providers, law enforcement and prosecution to improve the criminal justice system's response to violence against women. Grants provide personnel, equipment, training, technical assistance and information systems for these teams.

STOP funds are awarded from the Office on Violence Against Women, Office of the U.S. Department of Justice. The funds are administered by the Division of Criminal Justice Services.

Among those receiving grant program funds is the Branches Domestic Violence Shelter in Huntington. The shelter received $31,815.