Domestic & Family Violence Program

Our Mission

Break the cycle

The East Cleveland Domestic/Family Violence mission is to break the cycle of domestic violence. Domestic violence is learned behavior that affects the entire family. This behavior can be unlearned by teaching new coping skills. Through educating and building self-esteem, we empower women to be silent no more, to speak out and take action. We hold their abusers accountable for their actions as we educate them, providing them with non-violent ways to express their anger.

Our goal is to heal the entire family so that the family can be made whole, providing a safe and happy home for our children, and a safer community.

For a child imitates what he or she sees.

History

Since July 1993

The program was the result of the vision of the late Yasmeen A. Akhir, the invaluable assistance of former Judge Una H.R. Keenon, and the support of former Mayor Wallace D. Davis. It launched in East Cleveland, Ohio, in July of 1993, as the Court became encumbered with more and more domestic violence cases.

Today the program operates under the jurisdiction of the East Cleveland Municipal Court, where the Honorable Judge William L. Dawson presides. It works closely with the Probation Department, the Prosecutor's Office, the Police Department, and other agencies to ensure victims receive the services they need to break the cycle of violence. Services also extend to perpetrators through the male advocate.