Gross Highlights Domestic Violence Awareness Month

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester) today emphasized the importance of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Gross has co-sponsored House Bill 93, which seeks to improve and expand the Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program by allowing victims of domestic violence the option of receiving a substitute address in order to keep their actual home address secure and confidential. 

“Every day, millions of people fall victim to domestic violence,” said Gross. “It’s crucial that we emphasize the importance of DVAM this October, and are actively supporting advocacy groups and organizations that fight every day against domestic violence.”

Yesterday, the Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) released their sixth annual domestic violence report, revealing a 20% increase in fatalities due to domestic violence in Ohio. In the last two years, 131 fatalities have been reported, and of those reported, 15 cases were victims under 18 years of age.

Over the next two years, ODVN will receive $7.5 million in operational support from the state budget. Gross noted her support for the substantial increase in funding to ODVN. 

“The work ODVN is doing is so imperative to Ohioans suffering from domestic violence, and I am thankful our budget acknowledged this tragic issue and is working to help those in need.”

For more information on DVAM and ODVN, please visit https://www.odvn.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/DVAM_PressRelease_2021.pdf.