By Okon Ekpenyong

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and city officials, including Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, have reassured the city’s commitment to ensuring the safety and empowerment of all residents. During his speech on October 10, 2024, Mayor Ginther emphasized the importance of inclusivity and gathering accurate data to develop effective strategies that cater to the unique needs of all residents dealing with domestic violence.

He expressed gratitude to critical partners, including the Office of Violence Prevention, Franklin County Municipal Court, and organizations like Choices, which support women and children in crisis.

As part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Mayor Ginther reiterated the community’s commitment to addressing this pressing issue. Despite a 30% decrease in overall homicides, domestic violence-related homicides remain a concern, with 19 reported cases this year.

The city’s substantial investment of $1 million in Choices and the allocation of $338,000 to the Batterers Intervention Program demonstrates a clear commitment to disrupting the cycle of violence and promoting healthier behaviors. This significant financial support reassures the community of the city’s dedication to addressing this epidemic.

Batterers Intervention Program: Holds offenders accountable and promotes healthier behaviors to mitigate future violence.

Choices: Supports women and children in crisis.

Office of Violence Prevention: Leads efforts to address domestic violence.

Mayor Ginther also calls for the community to stand united in confronting domestic violence, empowering survivors, and fostering a culture of safety and respect. The city’s collective resolve remains steadfast, committed to making a lasting impact on those affected by domestic violence.

The Mayor’s vision extends to all residents, including newly naturalized citizens. He encourages them to exercise their right to vote and participate in shaping leadership across all levels of government, making them feel included and valued in the city’s efforts.

In a transformative initiative aimed at combating the pervasive issue of domestic violence, the Columbus Office of Violence Prevention, under the distinguished leadership of Director Rena Shak, has announced a groundbreaking new in-house Batterers Intervention Program in collaboration with Franklin County Municipal Court.

Before leading the office of violence prevention for the city, she was a former judicial candidate. And previously worked in the Ohio public defender’s wrongful conviction unit and later joined the Franklin County public defender’s office.

She handled various cases, ranging from traffic violations to murder cases. While working on these cases, Shak realized that many offenders were influenced by their circumstances or lacked the resources to address financial hardships. Additionally, many were living with mental health issues without addressing the root cause and finding the necessary resources to help them cope.

“To truly combat this epidemic, we must address the root causes of violence by reforming the behaviors and mindsets of perpetrators,” Director Shak said.

According to the Office of Violence Prevention, one in two women and two in five men have reported experiencing intimate partner violence. The office urges individuals to acknowledge, report, and help prevent this epidemic, emphasizing that “Love does not hurt.”

During her years working for the Franklin County Public Defender’s office and now as the director of the violence prevention department, helping to create a program as such remains Shak’s lifelong passion.

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