Shawndell Dawson

Shawndell N. Dawson is the director of the Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS) at the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that addresses domestic violence and sexual assault as public health issues and strives to partner with the continuum of social service agencies, families often turn to for help. Director Dawson is responsible for leading the implementation of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), which is the primary federal funding source for states, territories and tribes providing shelter and supportive services for domestic violence survivors and their children. State administered FVPSA grants reach 1,500 domestic violence programs annually with an average subgrant amount of $73,000 per year. FVPSA funding reaches 252 tribes per year supporting American Indian and Alaska Native survivors. FVPSA funding and grant programs support a network of resource centers including the National Domestic Violence Hotline; and specialized programs for abused parents and children experiencing violence and trauma.