Ohio's attorney general says $79.5 million in grants will be awarded to more than 350 crime victim service providers across the state.
One such provider is the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, which has been awarded a $3,101,184.59 grant through the Victims of Crime Act program. The center also received a second grant worth about $12,000 from the State Victim Assistance Act, according to a report from the center.
The two grants will combine and help the center open a regional office in Westlake help survivors on the west side of Cuyahoga County. The center provides counseling, advocacy and outreach services to rape and sexual abuse survivors.
“We are making our region healthier, safer and stronger by providing survivors of rape and sexual abuse with a compassionate response and access to high-quality services,” said Sondra Miller, President & CEO of Cleveland Rape Crisis Center. “The services made possible by this funding stream will ensure that more people can recover, heal and thrive after rape or sexual abuse.”
Republican Attorney General Mike DeWine says about $25 million of the funding announced Friday will help provide services for domestic violence victims. About $20 million will go to serve victims of sexual assault, with more than $14 million to be used for abused children services. Additional funds will assist agencies providing services to at-risk youth and victims with disabilities, among others.
The Victims of Crime Act grant funding is awarded to Ohio from the U.S. Department of Justice. The fund is financed by federal settlements, fines and fees.
DeWine also announced $3.4 million in grants from the State Victim Assistance Act for 195 crime victim service agencies.
“I am pleased to provide this grant to the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center,” said DeWine. “I appreciate the work of the Center, which provides comprehensive services and support to survivors of sexual assault, not only in Cuyahoga County, but to those living in neighboring counties as well.”
