OPEN ARMS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & RAPE CRISIS SERVICES

 

Our History
In 1978, a group of concerned citizens and social    service agency representatives united to form a Domestic Violence Task Force to determine whether or not a need for a domestic violence shelter existed in Hancock County. By surveying a sample of Hancock County residents, it was determined that there was, indeed, a serious need for a domestic violence shelter to serve both women and children. In 1979; the Ohio Domestic Violence Law was passed stating that it was against the law for any family member to abuse another family/household member. Members of the Domestic Violence Task Force then formed the Council on Domestic Violence Inc. and through grants, marriage license fees and private contributions, the Domestic Violence Shelter opened its doors to Hancock County in June 1981. As our community and laws regarding domestic violence have changed, so have our programs. In 1983 we added outreach programs, in 1987 a rape crisis program, in 1989 a program for offenders and in 1999 a visitation/exchange program.