U.S. Attorney’s Office for The Northern District of Ohio Celebrates Funding Announced During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The Department of Justice Recognizes National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The Department of Justice joins survivors, victim service providers, advocates, and communities nationwide in recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (“DVAM”). This is a time to recognize the experiences of survivors, honor those who have lost their lives to domestic violence; express gratitude to the countless individuals working to end violence; and raise awareness on the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As part of its monthlong observance of DVAM, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio is proud to announce that the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (“OVW”) awarded $2,254,320 to bolster coordinated community responses aimed at bringing an end to domestic violence, as well as sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to achieve a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030. The SDGs address various social, economic, and environmental challenges, including gender equality, poverty eradication, and reducing violence against women and girls. The efforts of the Department of Justice and its partners in recognizing DVAM align with several SDGs, including:

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality – By raising awareness on domestic violence and supporting survivors, the Department of Justice contributes to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The grants awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women prioritize reaching historically marginalized communities, underserved communities, and people of color, contributing to reducing inequalities.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The funding aims to increase access to justice, improve survivor safety, and hold perpetrators accountable, aligning with SDG 16’s goal of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.

Grant Awards for the Northern District of Ohio

• The Northern District of Ohio received four grants totaling $1,904,320 under the Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program (Transitional Housing Program). These grants support programs that provide 6 to 24 months of transitional housing or housing assistance to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. The recipients of these grants include:
• The Family and Community Services of Ravenna Ohio – $500,000 grant to house and support victims of domestic violence. This project will also hire 3 additional staff members to provide follow-up services once permanent housing is secured.
• The Concerned Citizens Against Violence Against Women in Marion, Ohio – $550,000 grant to provide housing and support for up to 40 domestic violence survivors and their families. The project will collaborate with Turning Point Domestic Violence Services and Marion Goodwill Industries to assist with transitional housing within the community.
• The ONEEIGHTY, INC., a non-profit in Wooster, Ohio – $454,750 grant to provide housing and support to domestic violence survivors. The services will be tailored to survivors’ needs to include rental and utility assistance, childcare, transportation, and employment services.
• The Battered Women’s Shelter of Summit and Medina Counties – $399,570 grant to provide emergency shelter and transitional housing for domestic violence survivors and their companion animals. This grant recognizes the human-animal bond, especially during times of stress and trauma experienced by victims of domestic violence and their children.
• The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Northwest Ohio also received a grant of $350,000 under the Grants to Engage Men and Boys as Allies in the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Program (Engaging Men and Boys Program). This grant supports educational programming and community-based organizations that encourage men and boys to work as allies for women and girls to prevent crimes. The YWCA will partner with the Toledo Public Schools to engage school-aged boys to build awareness of domestic violence and develop strategies to prevent violence against women and girls in the community.

U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko expressed her satisfaction with the grants awarded, stating, “I am pleased to announce that the Office of Violence Against Women (“OVW”) has awarded several grants to agencies focused on reducing domestic-violence incidents in the Northern District of Ohio. These crucial funding streams provide domestic violence survivors with housing and basic support services, not just for themselves, but also for their children. Providing such critical services benefits our entire community by ensuring a safe and stable environment for victims.” U.S. Attorney Lutzko also highlighted the grant awarded to the YWCA of Northwest Ohio, stating, “I am also pleased that OVW has awarded a grant to the Young Women’s Christian Association (“YWCA”) of Northwest Ohio, focused on reducing domestic-violence incidents by raising domestic-violence awareness in young boys and men. YWCA will use this grant to partner with the Toledo Public Schools to help prevent violence against women and girls in and around Toledo, Ohio.”

Building a Future Without Intimate Partner Violence

Rosie Hidalgo, the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women, emphasized the importance of community efforts in addressing domestic violence. She stated, “Every day, a vast network of dedicated individuals helps domestic violence survivors access multiple pathways to safety, justice, and healing. OVW understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing domestic violence. These funds will enable communities to increase capacity and strengthen a coordinated community approach to prevent and address violence in more comprehensive ways tailored to their communities. Together, with our grantees, we are building a future where individuals and families can live and thrive without the threat of intimate partner violence.”

The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) was created in 1995 and provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through implementing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and subsequent legislation. OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities nationwide that are developing programs, policies, and practices to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Addressed:

• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Targets Identified:

1. Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres
2. Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status
3. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere

Indicators:

• Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities
• Indicator 16.1.2: Conflict-related deaths per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and cause

The article addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to the issue of domestic violence. SDG 5 (Gender Equality) is relevant as it aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) is also addressed as it seeks to promote social, economic, and political inclusion for all, irrespective of their status. SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) is connected to the issue of domestic violence as it aims to reduce all forms of violence and related death rates.

Based on the content of the article, specific targets can be identified. Target 5.2 focuses on eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls in both public and private spheres. Target 10.2 aims to empower and promote the inclusion of all individuals, regardless of their age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic status. Target 16.1 seeks to significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates.

The article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. Indicator 5.2.1 measures the proportion of ever-partnered women and girls who have experienced physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months. Indicator 10.2.1 measures the proportion of people living below 50 percent of the median income, taking into account age, sex, and disability. Indicator 16.1.2 measures conflict-related deaths per 100,000 population, considering sex, age group, and cause.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: justice.gov

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