COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Ohio Domestic Violence Network held its annual press conference Wednesday, announcing financial support that will be put to effective use.
The imperative nature of continuing to support those affected by domestic violence was profound at this event and as ODVN Senior Director of Policy and Prevention Lisa DeGeeter notes for the work to go on, funding is crucial.
"We've watched for the past several years federal programs being reduced, all the while watching the need expand," DeGeeter said.
Ohio awarded grant money to the organization last week through the 2024 Family Violende Prevention Services Act, with funds going to 67 non-profit organizations across 42 counties.
ODVN, which received more than $60,000, plans to use the money to build on the services it provides.
"We're going to continue to support the advocacy work that's being done and expand it and provide shelter,” DeGetter said. “We know that nearly one in two survivors in the last calendar year who came to an audience member program were actually turned away from shelter because the buildings, the rooms, the beds were full."
CJ Williams, a domestic violence survivor, received the Croucher Family Award for outstanding leadership at the event, highlighting her longtime work in advocating for the end to domestic violence.
Williams understands the need for states to always support organizations that act as vessels of hope.
"It saves lives, as simple as that," she said. "It saves children's and women's and men's and first responders as well, It saves their lives. I remember being very young and in the early 90s starting to do this work and wondering at that time, would I ever help work my way out of this, out of this job? And it's just proven not to happen in my lifetime, but I do hope one day that there won't be any domestic violence."
Wednesday's event marked the 12th year this event has taken place, and the ODVN said it hopes to continue working with the legislature on policies such as family law reform.
