Ohio Victim Witness Association (OVWA)

Ohio Victim Witness Association (OVWA) is a statewide network of victim service providers that formed in 1978. As the need for victim services was starting to be addressed in the mid-1970's with federal grant funds through the Law Enforcement Assistance Agency (LEAA), approximately eight of the 88 Ohio county prosecutors established Victim/Witness divisions in their offices. Ultimately, the advocates of these eight Victim/Witness divisions were brought together as the Ohio Association of Prosecutors' Victim Witness Divisions. Today, OVWA strives to be an Ohio leader for crime victims, advocates, and allied professionals. We provide trainings, develop best practice guides, advocate for legislative changes that protect victims, and provide guidance and support that results in meaningful rights and quality services.