Domestic violence experts warn prevention cuts could impact Ohio

By Farah Siddiqi

Experts say domestic violence is not just a private matter but a serious public health issue, and new cuts to prevention programs could have nationwide consequences, including in Ohio.

Advocates warn that without federal investment, proven prevention strategies may disappear, leaving local programs with fewer resources.

At a recent symposium hosted by the Center for Health Journalism, Sarah DeGue, former senior scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the founder of Violence Prevention Solutions, warned that decades of prevention work are being dismantled.

"It's a very serious public health problem," said DeGue. "One in four women and one in nine men will experience intimate partner or domestic violence in their lifetimes. It costs the $3.6 trillion dollars to the economy across the lifespan of the victims, and it is preventable."

According to the CDC, prevention programs like school-based healthy relationship education have proven effective in reducing teen dating violence, bullying, and sexual harassment.

But federal budget proposals would eliminate the National Violent Death Reporting System and other key research efforts.

The Ohio Domestic Violence Network reports 114 people died in domestic violence incidents between July 2023 and June 2024, with its latest report due in October.

Prevention and intervention programs are also showing success in specific populations.

But Krista Colón, executive director of the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, said organizations face widespread uncertainty as they navigate shifting federal policies.

"If I offer a night of shelter to someone who may be undocumented, is my entire funding at risk?" said Colon. "If I respect an individual’s pronoun, am I now going to be a target? Funding levels have never been enough, but federal funding is a cornerstone for programs nationwide."

Advocates argue that Ohio and other states need continued investment in prevention and survivor services to avoid long-term social and economic costs.

They add that journalists can also play a role by covering domestic violence as a systemic public health issue rather than only when tragedy strikes.

This story was produced in association with Media in the Public Interest and funded in part by the George Gund Foundation.