U.S. Attorney’s Office for The Northern District of Ohio Celebrates Funding Announced During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The Department of Justice joins survivors, victim service providers, advocates, and communities nationwide in recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (“DVAM”). This is a time to recognize the experiences of survivors, honor those who have lost their lives to domestic violence; express gratitude to the countless individuals working to end violence; and raise awareness on the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As part of its monthlong observance of DVAM, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio is proud to announce that the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (“OVW”) awarded $2,254,320 to bolster coordinated community responses aimed at bringing an end to domestic violence, as well as sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.

Data from the most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate that about 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner and reported an intimate partner violence-related effect during their lifetime. Domestic violence rates are even higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Black individuals, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals.

The announced grants will reach historically marginalized communities, underserved communities, college and university campuses, rural towns, culturally specific communities, Tribal nations and more. The funding prioritizes increasing access to justice, improving survivor safety, holding perpetrators accountable, and offering training and technical support to professionals addressing these crimes.

Specifically, the Northern District of Ohio received the following funds for the 2023 fiscal year:

• OVW awarded four grants totaling $1,904,320 under the Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program (Transitional Housing Program) to support programs that provide 6 to 24 months of transitional housing or housing assistance to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Those include:
• The Family and Community Services of Ravenna Ohio received a $500,000 grant to house and support victims of domestic violence. This project will also hire 3 additional staff members to provide follow-up services once permanent housing is secured.
• The Concerned Citizens Against Violence Against Women in Marion, Ohio received a $550,000 grant to provide housing and support for up to 40 domestic violence survivors and their families. The project will collaborate with Turning Point Domestic Violence Services and Marion Goodwill Industries to assist with transitional housing within the community.
• The ONEEIGHTY, INC., a non-profit in Wooster, Ohio was awarded $454,750 to provide housing and support to domestic violence survivors. The services will be tailored to survivors’ needs to include rental and utility assistance, childcare, transportation and employment services.
• The Battered Women’s Shelter of Summit and Medina Counties was awarded $399,570 to provide emergency shelter and transitional housing for domestic violence survivors and their companion animals. This grant recognizes the human-animal bond, especially during times of stress and trauma experienced by victims of domestic violence and their children.
• OVW also awarded $350,000 to the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Northwest Ohio under the Grants to Engage Men and Boys as Allies in the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Program (Engaging Men and Boys Program) to support educational programming and community-based organizations that encourage men and boys to work as allies for women and girls to prevent crimes. The YWCA will use the grant to partner with the Toledo Public Schools to engage school-aged boys to build awareness of domestic violence and develop strategies to prevent violence against women and girls in the community.

“I am pleased to announce that the Office of Violence Against Women (“OVW”) has awarded several grants to agencies focused on reducing domestic-violence incidents in the Northern District of Ohio.” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko. “These crucial funding streams provide domestic violence survivors with housing and basic support services, not just for themselves, but also for their children. Providing such critical services benefits our entire community by ensuring a safe and stable environment for victims.” U.S. Attorney Lutzko also commented “I am also pleased that OVW has awarded a grant to the Young Women’s Christian Association (“YWCA”) of Northwest Ohio, focused on reducing domestic-violence incidents by raising domestic-violence awareness in young boys and men. YWCA will use this grant to partner with the Toledo Public Schools to help prevent violence against women and girls in and around Toledo, Ohio.” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko.

“Every day, a vast network of dedicated individuals helps domestic violence survivors access multiple pathways to safety, justice, and healing,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “OVW understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing domestic violence. These funds will enable communities to increase capacity and strengthen a coordinated community approach to prevent and address violence in more comprehensive ways tailored to their communities. Together, with our grantees, we are building a future where individuals and families can live and thrive without the threat of intimate partner violence.”

OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through implementing VAWA and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities nationwide that are developing programs, policies, and practices to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw