Staff report

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services announced Tuesday more than $6 million in federal grants to reduce violence against women in Ohio.

The Violence Against Women Act grants assist 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, according to a news release.

OCJS awarded 93 grants to local agencies in 46 counties including three grants in Mahoning County — $53,405 to COMPASS Family and Community Services, $52,634 to the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office and $46,500 to Mahoning County Domestic Relations Court.

OCJS administered two grants for the federal fiscal year 2024. One grant solicited proposals from victim service providers, law enforcement, prosecutors and courts throughout Ohio.

A second process was tailored specifically for community-based, culturally specific victim service applicants that provide culturally relevant and linguistically specific services and resources to culturally specific communities, the release states.

VAWA funds also enhance the capacity of local communities to develop and strengthen effective law enforcement and prosecution strategies to combat violent crimes against women and to develop and strengthen victim services in cases involving violent crimes against women, the release adds.

OCJS is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. By law, OCJS is the lead justice planning and assistance office for the state, administering millions of dollars in state and federal criminal justice funding every year, the release states.

OCJS also evaluates programs and develops technology, training and products for criminal justice professionals and communities.