Discussion and possible action to authorize the submission of a grant application to the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) for the Fiscal Year 2026 Improving Criminal Justice Responses to Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Grant Program, in an amount not to exceed $500,000.00, to support a grant-funded investigator position, including salary and fringe benefits, and legal advocacy services through Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter; to designate the Webb County Judge as the Authorized Official for all matters related to this grant; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require a local cash match and will have no impact on the General Fund. All required documents have been submitted for review through the Economic Development Department, and the solicitation is compliant with Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff; Grant Fund #2604]

Issue: Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking require a coordinated and victim-centered response from law enforcement and service providers. These cases often involve complex investigations, safety concerns and the need for legal advocacy and support services to assist victims throughout the criminal justice process.

Solution: Authorize the submission of the OVW ICJR grant application to support the continued enhancement of investigations involving domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking through a dedicated grant-funded investigator. The proposed funding will also support legal advocacy services provided by Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter to assist victims with safety planning, referrals, court-related support and access to available resources.

Result: If awarded, grant funding will strengthen the coordinated response between the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter. The project will improve investigative capacity, expand victim advocacy services, promote victim safety, encourage offender accountability and enhance access to justice and supportive services for victims throughout Webb County.

The purpose of the OVW Improving Criminal Justice Responses Grant Program is to strengthen the criminal justice system’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. The proposed application will allow Webb County and Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter to continue their collaborative efforts to improve investigations and provide victim-centered legal advocacy and supportive services to individuals and families affected by these crimes.