In 2004,  the Ross County Sheriff’s Office was awarded a three year,  $ 160,000.00, “Rural Victim Assistance Grant” from the National Sheriff’s Association through the Office for Victims of Crime / U.S. Department of Justice.  As only one of ten communities nationwide,  and the only office in the state of Ohio to receive the grant,  it was truly an honor to incorporate a program within our office to assist victims of crime.

The needs of smaller communities are often as great as those of larger communities,  however the resources available to victims are not as plentiful.   In Ross County we have the good fortune to have many resources for victims of crime, although the coordination of these resources did not truly exist.  As a result, “Project Unite” was created through the funds received from the Rural Victim Assistance Grant,  and the assigned staff of the Ross County Sheriff’s Office.

By the end of the first year of the Rural Victim Assistance Grant,  the members of the “Project Unite” team realized the need to go beyond their original goals.  The expansion of the program to include the promotion of the rights of victims,  and to provide education to those who serve crime victims,  became the focus of the second year.

Several promotions such as general advertising and special events were used to promote these rights and services.  What was not realized in 2004,  and began to evolve as work continued on the planning for the third year of the grant,  was an even greater need to those who became a victim of crime.  In Ross County, the Prosecutor’s Office already had a Victim/Witness program.  The Chillicothe Municipal Court also realized the goal of obtaining funding for a similar program.  Both agencies provide assistance after a crime occurs,  and throughout the court process.  A variety of other organizations such as Ross County MADD (Mothers against drunk drivers), the Ross County Child Protection Center,  and the Ross County Coalition Against Domestic Violence exist to assist victims, and to advocate for their rights after the impact of the crime.  What did not exist was the needs of the victim at the moment the crime was reported

"Project Unite" is a special division of the Ross County Sheriff's Office. Project Unite's primary goal is to assist persons who have been victimized by crime in Ross County. Sheriff Nichols, Sheriff of Ross County, strongly enforces that "justice isn't served until crime victims are."

Crime Victim Awareness Conference

Date:
Tuesday, March 20th, 2007

Location:
Ross County Service Center,
475 Western Avenue, Chillicothe, Ohio

Contact: Sgt. Teresa Franklin (740) 773-1186 Ext. 123

or email sheriffsales@rosssheriff.com for information.

Our goal is to help victims of crime understand the criminal justice system, educate victims on programs that are available in Ross County and to address any questions or concerns that may arise in the aftermath of a crime. Project Unite's Staff includes Lt. Dale Gillette, Sgt. Teresa Franklin and Deputy Teresa Carper-Chaney. The staff is available to assist victims of any crime.