Ohio Governor Mike DeWine awards $4.8 million to help survivors of sexual assault

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WKBN) — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Tuesday that Ohio’s Rape Crisis Center and Sexual Assault Survivor Program will receive $4.8 million in grants.

25 rape crisis centers and survivor service providers in 24 counties in Ohio received grants.

The grant will allow 25 programs to provide virtual/remote and crisis services, support the urgent needs of sexual assault survivors, and attract and retain staff to ensure continuity of sexual assault recovery services Helps pay hiring and retention bonuses for

“The services our Rape Crisis Center provides are essential in helping survivors of sexual assault recover from trauma,” said DeWine. Not only will it help us get support, but it will also ensure that service providers have enough staff to accompany survivors on their recovery journey.”

The Office of Criminal Justice Services administers grant programs funded through the Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Act of 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act, Rape Crisis Centers, and the Sexual Assault Programs Supplemental COVID-19 Fund.

The announcement follows $3.6 million in domestic violence prevention. Subsidy $6.7 million for survivors of domestic violence program It was announced this fall.

OCJS is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. By law, OCJS is the state’s primary justice planning and support agency, managing millions of dollars each year in state and federal criminal justice funds. OCJS also evaluates programs and develops technology, training, and products for criminal justice professionals and communities.