U.S. Attorney announces more than $5.1 million in funding to Southern District of Ohio during Domestic Violence Awareness Month

CINCINNATI – As part of its monthlong observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio is proud to announce that the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded more than $5.1 million in the district to bolster coordinated community responses aimed at bringing an end to domestic violence, as well as sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.

“This is a time to center the experiences of survivors, honor those who lost their lives to domestic violence; express gratitude to the countless individuals in the movement to end violence; and raise awareness on the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker.

Data from the most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate 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 impact during their lifetime. Domestic violence rates are even higher for 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, 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 Southern District of Ohio received the following approximate funds for the 2023 fiscal year:

• State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program

Ohio Domestic Violence Network: $108,000

Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence: $232,500

This program enhances the coordination between courts, child protective services agencies, advocates, law enforcement, and community programs to encourage trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to domestic violence and sexual assault.

• Improving Criminal Justice Responses to Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Grant Program

City of Columbus: $800,000

Ohio Supreme Court: $1 million

Funding from this grant is used to promote coordinated community responses among law enforcement agencies, courts, victim service providers, and other system partners.

• Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking Program (Culturally Specific Program)

Ohio Hispanic Coalition: $400,000

These dollars are designated to help community-based organizations develop culturally relevant programs specific to American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Black, Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and Tribal communities to support survivors.  

• Rural Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Assistance Program (Rural Program)

Ohio Hispanic Coalition: $500,000

Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program: $750,000

This funding supports programs by local government, community-based organizations, and medical providers in rural areas to improve the safety of survivors.

• Grants to Reduce Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking on Campus Program (Campus Program)

Otterbein $400,000

Central State University $494,600

This funds colleges and universities to develop and strengthen effective security and investigation strategies for such crimes and to develop prevention education and awareness programs. In addition, OVW awarded to Central State University under the new Strengthening Culturally Specific Campus’ Approaches to Address Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Initiative to support new programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).

• Research and Evaluation Initiative

University of Cincinnati: $499,900

This money supports researcher-practitioner partnerships and a broad range of research and evaluation methods to generate more knowledge about effective strategies to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and hold offenders accountable.

“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.

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