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Office of Violence Prevention
The Office of Violence Prevention is committed to taking a public health approach to ending violence by addressing its root causes - including poverty, trauma, and a lack of opportunity.
Through strategic investment in community-based solutions and strong cross-sector collaboration, the Office brings together municipal leaders, public health experts, youth advocates, law enforcement, public safety, and community partners with one shared goal: to stop violence before it starts.
Initiatives
The Tamir Rice Act
Ordinance which prohibits the sale and distribution of novelty lighters designed to resemble real firearms, a proactive approach to violence prevention.
Prevention Effort Mapping
Help us by mapping violence prevention efforts across Cuyahoga County to uplift existing works, strengthen partnerships, and identify gaps and resource needs.
Community Pledge
Join us in standing for peace, ending violence, and pledging action in our community. Take the Violence Prevention Pledge, a community pledge to end violence.
Core Pillars
Coordinated Violence Prevention Support
Connecting individuals and families to the right resources at the right time for safer, healthier outcomes
Collaboration and Coordination
Bringing partners together to align efforts and amplify the impact of violence prevention across the County
Community Engagement and Data Sharing
Partnering with communities and using real-time data to shape responsive, transparent, and effective violence prevention efforts
Collaboration
Violence Prevention Resources
Community partners, services, and programs designed to reduce contributing factors of community and domestic violence.
Community Outreach
The Office of Violence Prevention’s commitment is to prevent avoidable tragedies before they occur. Please help us in our mission by sharing our flyer.
Office Established
County Executive Chris Ronayne announced the creation of the Office of Violence Prevention on May 22, 2025. Watch.
Leadership
Myesha Watkins, Administrator
The Administrator’s role is to listen, build trust, and coordinate resources across neighborhoods, community organizations, and County agencies and departments, including the Sheriff’s Department, Health and Human Services, the Medical Examiner’s Office, Juvenile Court, and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, to implement strategies for intervention and prevention.
Contact Information
Phone: (216) 443-7265
Fax: (216) 443-2129
Email: OVP@cuyahogacounty.gov
Instagram: @cuyahogacountyovp
Address:
Cuyahoga County Administrative Headquarters
2079 East Ninth Street
5th Floor, Room 5-210
Cleveland, OH 44115