Individuals affected by crime in Franklin County, Ohio have access to a variety of programs and services to help them cope with the aftermath of their experience. The Ohio Crime Prevention Association (OCPA) is the largest statewide crime prevention association in the country and provides free services to victims of trauma. Through the VINE (Daily Victim Information and Notification) system, victims can check the offender's custody status and receive immediate notification of any changes. The Ohio Victims and Witnesses Association (OVWA) is a leader in the state for crime victims, advocates, and like-minded professionals.
They promote best practices that translate into meaningful rights and quality services for victims. The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) is a federal agency that works to reduce violence against women, administer justice, and strengthen services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) supports a wide range of programs and services that focus on helping victims in the immediate aftermath of a crime and continuing to support them as they rebuild their lives. The Ohio Department of Youth Services Office of Victim Services ensures that victims of juvenile crimes have information and opinions about the offender's release. The Attorney General's Crime Victims Section provides services to help victims, training for professionals who work with victims, and crime prevention programs for communities in Ohio. The State Victim Assistance and Compensation Program is funded by VOCA (Victims of Crime Act).
This program is administered by the Ohio Attorney General and judicial review is provided by the Ohio Claims Court. It provides funds to address emerging needs, gaps in services, and training for victim services advocates. The Center also offers a variety of services including victim defense, resources and referrals, workshops, presentations, and research on family violence and its impact on communities. The OAESV (Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence) uses an anti-oppression perspective to advocate for comprehensive responses and rape crisis services for survivors and to empower communities to prevent sexual violence.
