OCJS awards nearly $4M in Violence Against Women Act grants

The Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) announced recently nearly $4 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.

In total, OCJS awarded 135 grants to 97 local agencies in 45 counties.

Local recipients included the Community Action Commission of Fayette County, which received two separate grants for Peace House, totaling $21,407.28 and $15,800.84, respectively.

OCJS administered two competitive grants for the federal fiscal year 2023 VAWA program. One process solicited proposals from victim service providers, law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts throughout Ohio. A second process was tailored specifically for community-based, culturally specific victim service applicants that provide culturally relevant and linguistically specific services and resources to culturally specific communities.

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.

For a complete list of agencies receiving grants and the amounts, please visit: https://ocjs.ohio.gov/static/2023-VAWA-Recommended-for-Funding-Combined….

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 develops technology, training and products for criminal justice professionals and communities.