MOUNT VERNON – New Directions, Knox County’s domestic abuse shelter, will receive a $73,519 grant, Gov. Mike DeWine announced, for victim service agencies in support of victims of family violence, domestic violence and dating violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Wednesday, DeWine announced the funding that came from the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act American Rescue Plan supplemental funding federal grant program.

New Directions Domestic Abuse Shelter and Rape Crisis Center said on its website that it serves all survivors of domestic, intimate partner and sexual violence in Knox County. Its services are confidential and free of charge, and include a 24-hour hotline, crisis text line, crisis shelter, peer-led support groups, advocacy and civil protection order assistance.

To talk with a New Directions advocate, call 740-397-4357.

The federal grant program is the primary federal funding stream dedicated to the support of emergency shelter and related assistance for victims of domestic violence and their children. New Directions was one of 40 local agencies in 35 counties that was awarded a grant.

The Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services administers the grants.

“We are happy to provide this funding to help advocates of all professional disciplines work together to respond to family violence and provide coordinated services that improve the public understanding of family violence and enhance all services for victims and their children,” DeWine said.