LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — More than $3.9 million in federal grants is heading to local governments and nonprofits across Ohio to support victims of domestic violence.
The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services announced Tuesday it awarded Violence Against Women Act grants to 81 agencies in 45 counties across the state. The funding supports victim services, court advocacy, and efforts by law enforcement and prosecutors.
In the area, grants will be awarded to Crime Victim Services and Crossroads Crisis Center in Allen County, along with the Putnam County Prosecutor’s Office. At Crossroads Crisis Center, the funding supports its court advocacy program, which helps survivors navigate the justice system and addresses tactics abusers use to maintain control, such as manipulation during court proceedings.
“Domestic violence is rooted in manipulation and fear, so something that we’re experiencing more often now is recantation,” said Alexis Butler, court and safe exchange director at Crossroads Crisis Center. “This is when abusers manipulate or coerce their victim into taking back allegations of abuse. For a victim to go into court, you’re already in trauma. It’s a maze to get through. Having an advocate there to make sure their rights are respected and they’re safe in the process is paramount.”
“We want to make sure we maintain this funding source,” said Christel Keller, executive director of Crossroads Crisis Center. “The budget is entirely salaries for our court advocates. You have to have the people to provide direct service and support survivors through the justice system.”
Local law enforcement agencies notify Crossroads after domestic violence calls, allowing advocates to reach out to victims with resources. In 2024, police in Allen County responded to 491 domestic violence complaints, including 399 in Lima alone. Crossroads advocates attended more than 700 hearings in Lima Municipal Court.
Crossroads Crisis Center court advocates are Michelle Hirigoyen at mhirigoyen@crossroadscrisiscenter.com and Hayley Regan at hregan@crossroadscrisiscenter.com. Both can be reached at 419-228-4357. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
A complete list of agencies receiving grants and award amounts is available at:https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/raw/upload/ocjs.ohio.gov/FFY_25_VAWA_Recommendation_List.xlsx.
