AKRON, Ohio - The City of Akron has received a Violence Against Women Act grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Office of Criminal Justice Services to aid domestic violence investigations.

The $44,989 grant, which includes a local match of $15,000, will support the work of the Akron Prosecutor's Office domestic violence investigators. The prosecutor's office employs two domestic violence investigators to assist with investigating and prosecuting domestic violence cases in Akron Municipal Court. The investigators, both retired Akron Police officers, meet with victims and help them throughout their cases.

"On average, the Akron Prosecutor's Office handles approximately 900 domestic violence-related cases a year," Chief City Prosecutor Gertrude Wilms said in a new release. "We are grateful that the Violence Against Women Act grant will enable us to continue to successfully prosecute these cases and provide necessary support for victims."

Services funded by the grant include:

Explaining court proceedings to help victims navigate the system

Making community referrals based on victims' needs (Battered Women's Shelter, Victim Assistance, civil protective orders)

Collecting evidence

Locating and interviewing witnesses and serving subpoenas

Serving as liaisons between victims and law enforcement

Participation in the

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