Three Mahoning County agencies have been awarded a total of $152,539 in federal grants to combat violence against women.

The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services announced on Tuesday that the grants, funded through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), aim to support local governments and non-profit organizations in providing services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

Statewide, OCJS distributed 93 grants to agencies in 46 counties.

In Mahoning County, the recipients are:

  • Compass Family and Community Services, $53,405.
  • Mahoning County Prosecutor, $52,634.
  • Mahoning County Domestic Relations Court, $46,500.

The OCJS administered two grant programs for the federal fiscal year 2024 VAWA funding. One program targeted victim service providers, law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts. The other focused on community-based, culturally specific victim service providers.

VAWA funds are intended to enhance local law enforcement and prosecution strategies related to violent crimes against women, as well as to strengthen victim services.

The OCJS, a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, is the state's lead justice planning and assistance office, administering state and federal criminal justice funding. The agency also evaluates programs and develops resources for criminal justice professionals.