DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENSS

OHIO AGENCIES JOIN TOGETHER TO RAISE AWARENESS

DURING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENSS MONTH

Columbus – Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) Director Henry Guzmán and Ohio Attorney General Nancy H. Rogers today joined together to raise awareness for domestic violence and the impact it has on survivors, friends, family and co-workers.

In support of this effort, Governor Ted Strickland declared October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Ohio. The awareness is in coordination with national efforts to bring to light the issue, celebrate those who have survived and continue to encourage advocates to work together to provide coordinated services to improve the public’s understanding of domestic violence.

“Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of ethnicity, race, religion, age or sexuality,” said ODPS Director Henry Guzmán. “Domestic violence impacts us all and the Department of Public Safety is committed to working with our partners to help offer services for victims as well as put a stop to this crime through the judicial system.”

The Office of Criminal Justice Services, a division of ODPS, is working with law enforcement agencies and victim advocates to create awareness for domestic violence to create positive social change and healthier communities. This year, OCJS has provided more than $11 million in grant funding to support domestic violence programs in Ohio, including $3.6 million in Violence Against Women Act Program funding and $2.6 million in Family Violence Prevention and Services Grant funding.

“Almost 65,000 cases of domestic violence were listed in reports to my office last year,” said Attorney General Nancy H. Rogers. “We recognize domestic violence as a major law enforcement problem. The damage domestic violence inflicts is serious and that damage extends well beyond the immediate victim.”

In addition to internal educational events and activities to support shelters, OCJS coordinated bringing the Clothesline Project display, donated by CHOICES Domestic Violence Shelter of Franklin County, to the Rhodes State Office Tower and the Riffe Center in Columbus for the month of October. OCJS also developed a Web site dedicated to domestic violence awareness. The site outlines the activities and programs highlighted in October as well as resources.

To access the Web page, log onto http://www.ocjs.ohio.gov/domesticviolence.html