The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, in partnership with YWCA Greater Cincinnati, has been awarded a $500,000 grant to strengthen and expand victim-centered services for individuals impacted by crime throughout Hamilton County, with a particular focus on domestic violence.

The $500,000 award was made through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs.

For victims of crime, justice does not end when an arrest is made or a case is resolved. Victims and their families often face emotional, financial and practical challenges long after a crime occurs. This funding will help ensure they have access to the information, advocacy and support they need as they navigate the criminal justice system and their path toward safety and recovery. The funding will also increase access to coordinated direct services and practical assistance, including transportation, emergency shelter and housing, counseling, legal advocacy and other supportive services.

A key component of the partnership will be a new Victims of Crime Service Navigator, employed by YWCA Greater Cincinnati and co-located within the Prosecutor’s Office. The Navigator will serve as a liaison among victims, prosecutors, law enforcement, YWCA and other community-based service providers, helping connect victims to needed services and providing ongoing follow-up. YWCA Greater Cincinnati will also provide advanced training to victim advocates in areas including trauma-informed care, domestic violence, coercive control, lethality assessment and survivor-centered engagement.

“When someone becomes a victim of crime, their life can change in an instant. Our responsibility is not only to prosecute the person responsible, but to make sure the victim is not left to navigate the aftermath alone,” said Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich. “I can’t think of a better partner than the YWCA for this important work.”

“For survivors and victims of crime, reaching safety and stability often means navigating multiple systems at one of the most difficult moments of their lives,” said Rickell Howard Smith, President and CEO of YWCA Greater Cincinnati. “This partnership allows us to meet people where they are and create a stronger bridge between the justice system and the community-based services they need to move forward safely.”

The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office works with victims throughout the criminal justice process, helping them understand their rights, prepare for court proceedings and connect with resources and services.

YWCA Greater Cincinnati brings more than four decades of experience serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking and related crimes, with expertise in trauma-informed care, safety planning, court advocacy, crisis response and supportive services.

The grant will help the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office and YWCA Greater Cincinnati continue building a victim-centered approach to justice, recognizing that supporting victims is an essential part of public safety and a fair and effective criminal justice system.