Rep. McNally announces $140,688 to reduce violence against Mahoning county women

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today announced $140,688.93 in federal grants, administered by the Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) in the Ohio Department of Public Safety (DPS), to reduce violence against women in Ohio as part of the federal STOP Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) funding. 

“Women and their families need support to break away from violence and lead happy, healthy lives. Taking care of yourself, your children, and making a fresh start does not come easy following instances of violence and trauma,” said Rep. McNally. “We should be doing this and more to help people get out from under an experience they don’t deserve or ask for.”

The VAWA funding is federally administered by the Office of Justice Programs, Violence Against Women Office within the U.S. Department of Justice. The subgrant program emphasizes coordinated community approaches to reduce violence against women and to create mutually respectful partnerships between the justice system and victim services. 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. OCJS also evaluates programs and develops technology, training, and products for criminal justice professionals and communities.

The (VAWA) 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. OCJS administered two competitive grants for the federal fiscal year 2023 program. Applications for project start dates on January 1, 2024 were due to the OCJS on June 5, 2023. This funding release includes 135 grants to 97 local agencies in 45 counties and nearly $4 million in investments.

“I’m thankful for this federal investment in programs that work and help women who really need it,” said Rep. McNally. 

Mahoning county entities receiving funds include: 

·         $49,318.49 for the Mahoning County Domestic Relations Court to support the Domestic Relations Courts Victims Advocate.

·         $3,105.90 for the Mahoning County Domestic Relations Court to support the Domestic Relations Courts Victims Advocate.

·         $53,264.54 for the Mahoning County Prosecutors Office to support the Mahoning County VAW Justice Unit.

·         $9,813.24 for COMPASS Family and Community services to support COMPASS Family & Community Services/Sojourner House.

·         $25,186.76 for COMPASS Family and Community services to support COMPASS Family & Community Services/Sojourner House.