The U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded a $500,000 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Assistance Program (CFDA 16.589) grant to the Ohio Hispanic Coalition in partnership with the Ohio Domestic Violence Network. Over a 36-month period, the funding will support the implementation of a victim services project for Latino/Hispanic communities in eight rural Ohio counties. Key activities include:
Hiring a bilingual Promotora Specialist (victim advocate/case manager) to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate direct services such as case management, crisis intervention, court accompaniment, advocacy, and immigration assistance.
Developing and delivering culturally responsive education and prevention efforts in collaboration with rural community partners and Latino/Hispanic leaders.
Implementing outreach approaches to focus on the unique needs of remote, geographically isolated Latino/Hispanic victims facing transportation, immigration status, and technology barriers.
The project aims to enhance safety and well-being, increase access to services, and strengthen community-based responses for Latino/Hispanic victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the targeted rural areas.