OCJS Awards Over $3.9 Million in Violence Against Women Act Grants

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – The Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) announced today over $3.9 million in federal grants to reduce violence against women in Ohio.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grants assist local governments and non-profit community-based organizations in administering justice for and strengthening services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

OCJS administered the competitive VAWA grant by soliciting proposals from victim service providers, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and courts throughout Ohio. In total, OCJS awarded 81 grants to local agencies in 45 counties.

VAWA funds also enhance the capacity of local communities to develop and strengthen effective law enforcement and prosecution strategies to combat violent crimes against women and to develop and strengthen victim services in cases involving violent crimes against women.

In our area, funding includes:

• Crime Victim Services (Allen County) – $48,292.56
• Crossroads Crisis Center (Allen County) – $56,097.52
• Council on Domestic Violence, Inc., dba Open Arms (Hancock County) – $47,949.84
• Concerned Citizens Against Violence Against Women, dba Turning Point (Marion County) – $40,000.00
• Marion County Prosecutor’s Office (Marion County) – $40,000.00
• Marion County Sheriff’s Office (Marion County) – $59,971.10

For a complete list of agencies receiving grants and the amounts, please visit: https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/raw/upload/ocjs.ohio.gov/FFY_25_VAWA_Recommendation_List.xlsx.

OCJS is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. By statute, OCJS is the lead justice planning and assistance office for the state, administering millions of dollars in state and federal criminal justice funding every year. OCJS also evaluates programs and products and develops training, resources, and best practices for criminal justice professionals and communities.