Office of Violence Prevention

About OVP

The Columbus Office of Violence Prevention was established in 2023 as a result of Mayor Ginther declaring gun violence a public health crisis. The office is the main coordinating body for violence prevention initiatives and activities operated or sponsored by the City of Columbus. OVP staff work together with community and city-funded organizations to assist in establishing Columbus as the safest big city in the country.

The function and responsibilities of OVP include but certainly are not limited to: Collecting data through surveys and community forums; assessing current programs and their targeted populations; measuring program outcomes; researching and implementing data-based best practices; educating the public; convening thought leaders, making policy recommendations; and amplifying community voices to combat and reduce violence. 

Mission
To promote a comprehensive strategy that coordinates the efforts between violence prevention initiatives in Columbus, Ohio, through program assessment and community impact measurement.

Vision
The Office of Violence Prevention will assist in community efforts to make Columbus the safest big city in the country.

Core Beliefs

• Every life matters;

• Everyone deserves to live in a safe neighborhood;
  
  

• Violence prevention programming has the potential to assist in creating safe neighborhoods;

• Proper distribution of resources is necessary for violence prevention initiatives to exist and provide impactful, effective, measurable results;

• Systemic issues must be addressed to properly address community violence.