November 6, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Public Safety: (COLUMBUS, Ohio) – The Office of Criminal Justice Services announced today the recertification of six Ohio law enforcement agencies for state standards established by the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board. Agencies completing the recertification process previously adopted and implemented the initial two standards regarding use of force and hiring and recruitment.

Administered by the Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS), the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) program assists local governments and non-profit community-based organizations in administering justice for and strengthening services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In total, 125 grants were awarded to 95 local agencies in 47 counties.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that $4.8 million in grants will be awarded to support the work of rape crisis centers and sexual assault survivor programs in Ohio. Twenty-five rape crisis centers and survivor service providers from 24 Ohio counties received grants. Please see list of awardees.The grant funding will help the 25 programs offer virtual/remote and crisis services, support emergency needs of sexual assault survivors, and pay for hiring and retention bonuses to attract and maintain staff to ensure the continuity of sexual assault recovery services.