(Danville, Va.) — Averett University is partnering with three other agencies to reduce violence against women in the Dan River region.

The Danville Police Department, Haven of the Dan River Region, and SOVAH Health Danville have joined with the university to lend assistance.

The US Department of Justice has approved a $500,000 federal grant over three years through the Office on Violence Against Women.

Danville Police Chief Scott Booth says the grant will provide training for police officers to help them interview sexual assault victims. Booth says that such partnerships will allow residents “to come together and really change the face of the city of Danville.”

Averett’s nursing program will also offer training to help Sovah Health nurses identify signs of sexual assault. And the local women’s shelter will hire two new employees, including one who will coordinate a team to improve services to sexual assault victims.

The grant was announced Tuesday during a press conference at Averett University.