DVS Services Continues Advocacy Work

MVCAP directors are sought-after subject matter experts and strong advocates providing training throughout the community and visiting with lawmakers.

Courtney Griffith, Director of Domestic Violence Services, provided training to the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) of the Preble County Mental Health and Recovery Board earlier this year. On February 17, Griffith joined the Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) to meet with legislators and staff members in Columbus.

More than 200 people registered for ODVN’s event to advocate for bills centered on survivor voices and safety. Advocates heard from Senators Theresa Gavarone and Paula Hicks-Hudson as well as Rep. Dontavius Jarrells. Current pending bills seek:

• To improve the way domestic violence survivors are screened and interviewed at hospitals and urgent care centers.
• To prohibit convicted domestic violence offenders from possessing firearms.
• To modernize custody laws to include consideration of domestic violence history when considering “best interest of the child” factors.

Griffith herself met with aides for Senators Stephen Huffman and Rodney Creech as well Rep. Jonathan Newman.

In January, Griffith shared with the CIT in Preble County about the best ways to respond to victims and survivors of domestic violence in all its forms. The CIT program is designed to help law enforcement agencies integrate their police training with directing people to treatment for mental illness and other services.

If you need help now, call 937-456-6891. Learn more about MVCAP’s Domestic Violence Services Program by clicking here. 💜