OHIO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

1970 West Broad Street P.O. Box 182081 Columbus, Ohio 43218-2081 www.ocjs.ohio.gov www.publicsafety.ohio.gov Ted Strickland, Governor S T A T E O F O H I O Henry Guzmán, Director MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Lindsay Komlanc, ODPS Media Relations Director April 17, 2008 ODPS FOCUSES ON TEEN DATING AND INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE Effort part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Activities (COLUMBUS) – Teenage dating and intimate partner violence are forms of domestic violence that are an unfortunate reality for many Ohioans. During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which is April 13 – 19, the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) is highlighting services that are available to help individuals escape abusive situations and rebuild their lives. "It is important that victims of domestic violence know they have a place to turn to get the help they need," said Karhlton Moore, executive director of OCJS. “There are many services available to assist domestic violence victims as they work to stabilize their lives.” Domestic violence has many forms including emotional or physical abuse that is used by one person to control another. Partners may or may not be married; heterosexual, gay, or lesbian; living together, separated or dating. The abuse can be name calling or put downs; keeping a partner from contacting their family or friends; withholding money; stopping a partner from getting or keeping a job; actual or threatened physical harm; sexual assault; stalking; and intimidation. According to the Ohio Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 16 percent of Ohio high school females report having been physically forced to have sexual intercourse when they did not want to do so. Nationally, 9.2 percent of high school students report having been hit, slapped or physically hurt on purpose by their boyfriend or girlfriend. Nearly one in five teenage girls who have been in a relationship report a boyfriend had threatened violence toward her or threatened to injure himself over a breakup. Part of OCJS’ mission is to provide resources and enhance services to victims while also raising awareness for these resources. In 2007, OCJS awarded more than $6 million in grants to support domestic violence shelters and programs, as well as other non-profit victim service agencies and units of local government. OCJS also houses the Family Violence Prevention Center, which serves as an information clearinghouse for public and private organizations to help prevent family violence through criminal justice information and initiatives. The center has“Teen Dating Violence Awareness” cards that are available online at http://www.ocjs.ohio.gov/Publications/Teen%20Dating%20Violence%20Flyer.pdf. During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, ODPS is partnering with local and state organizations to raise awareness for five key areas of crime that impact Ohioans: homicide, child abuse, workplace violence, teen dating/intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Information about all of the topics and events is available at: http://www.publicsafety.ohio.gov/_prod.ocjs/OCVW_home.html. ### OCJS serves as the lead justice planning and assistance agency for the state. Through research, technology and grants, OCJS serves a wide variety of agencies committed to reducing and preventing crime across Ohio. OHIO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY 1970 West Broad Street | P.O. Box 182081 | Columbus, Ohio 43218-2081 www.publicsafety.ohio.gov