Explanation
Background:
This legislation authorizes the City of Columbus to accept and appropriate two federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) sub awards from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners Office of Justice Policy and Programs. Grant awards support prosecution and victim advocacy services provided by the Columbus City Attorney’s Office. Award dollars fund 1) a portion of salary and fringe for two specially trained domestic violence prosecutors; 2) total compensation for one specially trained anti-stalking victim advocate; 3) and professional development for Domestic Violence & Stalking Unit staff.
The Domestic Violence & Stalking Unit provides best-practice prosecution services for victims of misdemeanor domestic violence and stalking crimes. The unit employs five highly-trained and experienced domestic violence prosecutors, fifteen victim advocates, one stalking investigator, one anti-stalking victim advocate and hosts professional liaisons from CHOICES domestic violence shelter and Franklin County Children Services. Services provided by the unit are modeled after the National District Attorneys Association’s National Domestic Violence Prosecution Best Practice Guide and are designed to increase and improve victim involvement; decrease recantation; and increase community and law enforcement collaboration. This ordinance authorizes the appropriation of grant funds and the transfer and appropriation of the matching funds required by the grant award.
Domestic Violence & Stalking Prosecutors 20-WF-VA2-8758 Award = $110,154
Domestic Violence & Stalking Prosecutors 20-WF-VA2-8758 City Match = $36,718
Total- $146,872
Law Enforcement and Anti-Stalking Advocate 20-WF-VA2-4600 Award= $58,280
Law Enforcement and Anti-Stalking Advocate 20-WF-VA2-4600 City Match = $19,426
Total- $77,706
Fiscal Impact: VAWA sub awards require a 25% city cash match of $54,110. Matching funds are included in the City Attorney 2021 General Fund budget, but a transfer of appr...
Click here for full text