New data: Domestic violence becomes most prevalent crime in Ohio

By Nadia Ramlagan

Gov. Mike DeWine said the state’s police officers will receive new training on how to respond to domestic violence-related incidents and more accurately determine a survivor's risk for future incidents of domestic violence. In addition, $1 million in funding will be provided to shelters across the state.

The announcement came as a new report showed between 2025 and 2026, the number of domestic violence-related fatalities in Ohio reached a record high.

Maria York, director of policy and communications for the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, the group behind the annual report, said nearly half the survivors currently in shelters are children.

"We know that Ohio's kids are witnessing acts of violence. Horrifically, they're witnessing their parent being murdered in front of them too," York explained.

The report found the share of victims who were trying to leave the relationship or were in the process of doing so has nearly doubled since 2024. Last year, Ohio’s statewide domestic violence coalition housed 9,500 survivors.

York acknowledged lawmakers across the political aisle are making strides in recognizing supports for survivors. York points to Rep. Dontavius Jarrells, D-Columbus, sponsoring House Bill 566, the Break the Silence Act.

"This would allow survivors of domestic violence – when they're going into hospitals or urgent care facilities – to be screened privately from other people that they come in to the hospital with," York outlined.

Sen. Susan Manchester, R-Waynesfield, is sponsoring Senate Bill 225, which would expand confidentiality protections for survivors.