Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence


			FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 24, 2000 EQUESTRIAN EVENTS RAISE MORE THAN $1MILLION FOR PROGRAMS THAT ADDRESS FAMILY VIOLENCE Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence Provides Long-Term Funding to Strategic Initiatives (New Albany) – The New Albany home of Les and Abigail Wexner today hosts some of America's top Grand Prix show jumpers as part of an effort to help victims of family violence. Proceeds from today's event, and from a fundraiser held last evening, total more than $1 million. The third annual New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix benefits The Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence. The Coalition's mission is to assist agencies and programs that address specific initiatives that work to reduce family violence. The Coalition is comprised of Franklin County social service agencies, local justice professionals, health care representatives, foundations and the United Way. "The Coalition operates strategically and long-term," said Abigail S. Wexner, founder of the Coalition. "The agencies and initiatives that receive funding are those with programs that are either fulfilling unmet needs, or are executing the best practices proven to reduce family violence. Our goal is to make major systematic changes that have the greatest impact." The Coalition currently utilizes recommendations from Phase 1 of a study conducted by Washington's Urban Institute last year. The Institute studied family violence efforts in 88 communities in the United States. The study revealed that coordinated efforts, like the Columbus Coalition’s, are most effective. The study also enabled the Coalition to select the following areas as priorities: judicial reform, training and education, enhancement of victim services and public awareness. The Coalition has convened specific task forces of experts to help guide and advise on the best ways to address each priority. Currently, the Coalition is funding initiatives that include: A CourtWatch Program (within the Judicial Reform priority) This initiative is completing the first of a three-year commitment to provide information and feedback to judges and courts on the overall treatments of domestic violence victims. Faith Community Training (within the Training & Education priority) This initiative began with a task force established by Bishop James A. Griffin to develop child abuse education for the Catholic Diocese. The initiative has since evolved into a family violence training session for all faith communities in Central Ohio. The session will be held October 31, 2000 at Temple Israel. Family Advocacy Clinic at Capital University Law School (within the Enhancement of Victim Services priority) The program will provide legal services for victims of domestic violence who do not meet the criteria for receiving Legal Aid assistance and are unable to afford a private attorney. The Ohio State University High Risk Perinatal Initiative (within the Training & Education priority) Medical workers at The Ohio State University are being trained to detect possible signs of domestic violence and abuse with patients. Workplace Responds to Family Violence (within the Training & Education priority) Efforts to train Columbus area employers on how to assist and counsel victims of family violence continues to be a Coalition priority. The office of Mayor Michael Coleman has committed to training for supervisors and human resource workers at the various City offices. In 1998, The Limited, Inc. and Intimate Brands, Inc. started efforts to train local employers on the impact of family violence to the workplace, and how to help victims. Since then, The Limited, Inc. and IBI have reported more than 40 instances of victims seeking assistance at the workplace. Current Press Releases 2001 Press Releases 1999 Press Releases