City Awarded Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Grant to Support Domestic Violence Investigations
City of Akron Press Release
Published: 05-03-2018
Akron, Ohio, May 2, 2018 – The City of Akron is proud to announce its award of a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Office of Criminal Justice Services, to support the work of the Akron Prosecutor’s Office Domestic Violence investigators.
The Akron Prosecutor’s Office employs two domestic violence investigators—both retired Akron Police officers with a combined 50 years of law enforcement experience—to assist with investigating and prosecuting domestic violence cases in Akron Municipal Court. The investigators meet with victims and help guide them through the process, from initial report to prosecution.
“On average, the Akron Prosecutor’s Office handles approximately 900 domestic violence-related cases a year,” Gertrude Wilms, Chief City Prosecutor said. “We are grateful that the VAWA grant will enable us to continue to successfully prosecute these cases and provide necessary support for victims.”
The grant amount is $44,989 and includes a local match of $15,000. Specific services provided by the Domestic Violence investigators, funded through the VAWA grant, include:
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Explaining court proceedings to ensure victims can properly navigate the system;
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Making community referrals regarding victim’s basic needs (Battered Women’s Shelter, Victim Assistance, civil protective orders);
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Collecting evidence including photos of victim injuries, medical records, audio and video recordings, social media posts, 9-1-1 calls, police reports, etc.;
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Locating and interviewing witnesses and serving subpoenas;
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Serving as liaisons between victims and law enforcement; and
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Participating in the Akron Municipal Court Family Intervention Court Program, an integrative, therapeutic alternative to traditional court practices that seeks to change the thinking, behavior and actions of domestic violence offenders.
For more information or to make a report of domestic violence, please contact Gertrude Wilms, Chief City Prosecutor at (330) 375-2730.
For further information, contact:
Ellen Lander Nischt
Press Secretary / Assistant Director of Law
166 S. High Street Akron, Ohio 44308
Phone: (330) 375-2345
E-mail: [email protected]
