OCJS awards federal funding to support domestic violence victims, families
The Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) last week awarded over $3 million in federal emergency shelter and supportive services grants for domestic violence victims and their dependents.
The 32 projects in 24 counties will help community-based, nonprofit organizations to provide emergency shelter and/or supportive services for victims of family violence, domestic violence and dating violence and their dependents.
A list of grant recipients can be found here.
Funding will support the establishment, maintenance, and expansion of programs and projects that:
• Prevent incidents of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence.
• Provide immediate shelter, supportive services, and access to community-based programs for victims of family violence, domestic violence or dating violence and their dependents.
• Provide specialized services for children exposed to family violence, domestic violence or dating violence, underserved populations and victims who are members of racial and ethnic minority populations.
Funds can be used for COVID-19 testing, vaccine access, mobile health unit access, and workforce expansions, capacity building and supports.
OCJS administered the grants through the FY 2021 Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) American Rescue Plan (ARP) Supplemental COVID-19 Testing, Vaccine Access, Mobile Health Units Access Funds program.
All awards will support 15 months of program funding, operating from July 1, 2023 through Sept. 30, 2024.
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.