Domestic Violence / Stalking Unit

The Domestic Violence & Stalking Unit is located in the Prosecutor Division of the Columbus City Attorney’s Office. The Unit is located on the 17th floor of 375 S. High St. Although all prosecutors in the City Attorney’s Office handle domestic violence cases, the Domestic Violence Unit has seven specially trained prosecutors that are assigned to handle only domestic violence related cases. These specialized prosecutors handle cases that include, but are not limited to, repeat assaults, egregious acts of violence, and victims that are high risk (including the elderly, children, and the disabled).

Additionally, the Unit has 22 courtroom advocates who work in tandem with prosecutors and various community liaisons to provide a variety of services to domestic violence victims. In conjunction with community partners, the City Attorney’s Office works to meet survivors where they are to provide support and resources.

When someone has been arrested on a charge of Domestic Violence, they usually make their first appearance in court the next morning, except on Sundays. If you are the victim on such a case, we encourage you to call our office at 614-645-6232 and/or come to our office by 8:30 that morning so that we can provide you with information about what to expect in court, and help you obtain a protection order, if you desire. Our service is free of charge and so are the protection orders that we help you obtain.

After the first court date (arraignment), the case will be assigned to a permanent judge, prosecutor, and advocate. An advocate will contact you between court dates and let you know what to expect. They will also assist you with community referrals and any other support you may need, including a safe place to wait in the courthouse when you are subpoenaed for court dates.

Stalking occurs when a person engages in a pattern of conduct that knowingly causes the victim to believe the offender will cause physical harm or mental distress to them. Menacing by stalking is a crime under Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.211 and can disrupt a victim’s lifestyle and cause serious mental distress. This crime is a first degree misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and/or $1,000 fine. A felony may be filed if there are aggravated factors.

If you suspect you are a victim of Stalking, we recommend you contact our office and ask to speak with a Stalking advocate. This advocate will gather pertinent information from you and potentially set up a time to meet and go over your case more thoroughly. Between your initial contact and your interview, it is important that you call the police whenever your stalker contacts you and that you ask the police to take a report. It is also important that you keep your own log or record of events as they occur. Obtaining a protection order may also be appropriate. There are different kinds of protection orders and the Stalking advocate can help you navigate whether it’s safe to apply for an order and where to apply.

Information about the different kinds of protection orders can be found under the Related Information at the right of this page.

If this is an emergency, contact your local police department or call 9-1-1.

You can also reach the CHOICES crisis hotline 24 hours a day at 224-4663.

Contact a representative in this Unit

Domestic Violence:

Domestic Violence Advocates:

Stalking Advocates: