The Women’s Resource Center was awarded a $300,000 grant Monday that will allow it to hire a full-time victim advocacy coordinator.

According to a NIU Media Relations press release, the award was announced by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and will be funded by the 16-year-old Violence Against Women Act.

Provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, the money is meant to help the center expand on existing services for victims of “stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, and sexual assault,” read the press release.

The position of the victim advocacy coordinator will not only provide help to victims, but also work with Safe Passage and members of the NIU community to combat domestic violence and any other act that victimizes women.

According to the release, the Women’s Resource Center plans to fill the new position by January.