Domestic Violence Cases Rise 38% in Ohio. This Judge Is Taking Action.

(RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Ohio) — Judge Tonya R. Jones and the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court are combating domestic violence within the county. Judge Jones, accompanied by her colleagues, are presenting the Domestic Violence Community Awareness & Safety Resource Forum in different cities across the county throughout the remainder of 2025 into 2026.

With the recent rise in domestic violence fatalities within the county, organizers aimed “to amplify survivors’ voices, promote community unity, and encourage action against domestic violence,” Deputy Court Administrator Susan K. Sweeney, told The Click via email.

On Oct. 15, the committee hosted the first forum at the Richmond Heights Community Center. According to an official press release, the forum would “feature local advocates, survivors, and community partners,” followed by a “vigil honoring survivors and victims of domestic violence” with an optional community safety event.

As it neared 5 p.m., women of all ages, from young adults to seniors, began to trickle in. The domestic relations court set up two booths in the back of the room. Organizers provided pamphlets, buttons, and pins shaped like purple ribbons to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Judge Jones opened the forum with  a definition of domestic violence and common myths surrounding the crimes before sharing a few alarming statistics.

According to the Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN)’s 2024-2025 fatality report, she said, the state experienced a 38% increase in deaths related to domestic violence in the past year. The report documents 108 cases resulting in death with a total of 157 fatalities, 20 of which were in Cuyahoga County.

“Economic hardship, mental health struggles, housing disability, and access to firearms” have caused this recent surge in cases, with “the isolation of the pandemic” increasing the danger for many victims, Judge Jones said.

By implementing tools such as “safer housing, better childcare, and … living wages,” Judge Jones added that “prevention is possible.”

Judge Jones then recognized the Healthy Fathering Collaborative of Greater Cleveland, an organization that “believes in supporting and empowering fathers.”

On Dec. 5, in an effort to “ take a … stand opposing violence against women, children, and intimate partners,” Judge Jones and the Healthy Fathering Collaborative will take a “pledge to never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence” on the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court steps.

Judge Jones then introduced Calvin Williams, Richmond Heights police chief. A victim of domestic violence himself, Williams said he intimately understands the ongoing epidemic. According to Williams, 24 cases of domestic violence have been reported in Richmond Heights this year.

Judge Jones said domestic violence can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or digital. When there is no physical aggressor, the police cannot make an arrest, Williams said. He recommends contacting other resources in these instances.

“We encourage folks to call us,” Williams said, even when the situation doesn’t involve violence. That way, they can be connected with the proper resources, and the “family can operate like a family should.”

Diane Russell, first assistant prosecutor of the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office said that many domestic violence cases are brought to trial using “evidence-based prosecution.” Through photographs, medical records, and jailhouse phone calls, convictions can be achieved without the victim being present, she said.

Russell urged participants to answer the phone when a victim calls them for help because “that might be the time that you save her life.”

To end the evening, Anne Face, CEO of the Journey Center for Safety and Healing, promoted her services to those in need. According to their website, the Journey Center provides refuge to those affected by domestic violence and educational resources to prevent further abuse.

Instead of a vigil and safety event, Judge Jones brought the event to a close by reminding everyone about the resources available to those who needed them.

After the event, in an informal interview with The Click, Judge Jones said organizers  were unsure what the turnout would be, but hopes future events will create more “buzz” and that, in turn, more victims will come forward.