COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) has officially opened the application process for a major round of federal grant funding dedicated to combating violence against women and strengthening victim support services across the state.
Administered under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the program acts as a critical financial lifeline for local governments, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, and non-profit community organizations throughout Ohio. The funding is specifically earmarked to help communities better administer justice and expand services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
Funding Direct Services, Crisis Response, and Housing
According to state officials, VAWA grants are designed to help local agencies build comprehensive, multi-faceted responses to violence. Approved funds can be applied toward a wide array of vital public services, including:
- Direct Victim Services & Legal Aid: Funding specialized legal assistance and advocacy for victims navigating the justice system.
- Emergency Infrastructure: Sustaining 24/7 crisis intervention hotlines and support services.
- Transitional Housing: Helping victims secure safe, stable housing after escaping abusive environments.
- Systemic Upgrades: Improving court administrative efficiency and providing modern, trauma-informed training for law enforcement officers and judicial professionals.
Additionally, OCJS announced that a secondary, specialized grant solicitation focused strictly on VAWA Culturally Specific Community-Based Victim Service Organizations will be released in mid-July to ensure marginalized communities receive targeted aid.
Deadlines and Informational Training Sessions
Local agencies and non-profits planning to apply must submit their formal Request for Proposal (RFP) responses by July 7 at 5:00 p.m.
To assist organizations with the application and review process, OCJS is hosting a voluntary online bidders’ training webinar on Tuesday, June 9, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The workshop will guide both new and returning applicants through budget guidelines and program expectations. Interested organizations can sign up through the “VAWA Bidders Training” registration link on the official state grants portal.
About the OCJS
As a primary division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the Office of Criminal Justice Services serves as the state’s lead justice planning agency. By statute, the office is responsible for evaluating public safety programs and administering millions of dollars in state and federal criminal justice funds annually to bolster local communities and law enforcement professionals.
