OCJS awards $4M in grants to aid domestic violence victims, dependents

The Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) last week awarded nearly $4 million in federal emergency shelter and supportive services grants for domestic violence victims and their dependents.

The 64 projects in 46 counties will help community-based, non-profit organizations to provide emergency shelter and/or supportive services for victims of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence and their dependents.

Local grant recipients include the Highland County Domestic Violence Task Force ($58,009.64) and Ross County Community Action ($69,035.35).

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.

OCJS administered the grants through the Fiscal Year 2026 Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) Formula Grant to States and Territories.

All awards will support 12 months of program funding, operating from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

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, develops training, resources, and best practices for criminal justice professionals and communities.