In 2013, the Ohio Domestic Violence Network established the Croucher Family Award given each year to a person(s) who have shown outstanding advocacy and leadership.

ODVN created the award to honor Jim and Elsa Croucher of Monroe, Ohio who were pioneers in domestic violence education. The Crouchers were plunged into the world of domestic violence four days before Christmas in 1992 when their youngest child, 18-year-old Tina, was murdered by an abusive ex-boyfriend. Determined to help save others from Tina’s fate, the Crouchers founded Citizens Against Domestic Violence in 1996 and created a Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program, “Dating Violence: 101”. The presentation was given to over 100,000 students. Nationally recognized speakers, the Crouchers furthered their efforts to educate the public about domestic violence with their efforts in the passage of the “Tina Croucher Act,” in 2009.  Named in memory of their daughter, the law requires Ohio students in grades 7 -12 to be provided education on dating violence, warning signs, and characteristics of healthy relationships.

State Representative Cindy Abrams was a Cincinnati police officer and investigator before she became a politician. She worked on the domestic violence unit, so she’s seen first-hand how domestic violence impacts families and the community. She’s serving her first full term in the House where she represents the 29th District, which includes parts of Hamilton County.

She’s on the House Finance Committee. She’s also a member of the Majority Leadership Team. Her legislative record makes clear that domestic violence survivors are one of her top priorities. She’s the sponsor of HB 93, which makes important fixes to Ohio’s address confidentiality law, and which passed the House in February 2021. She’s also a sponsor of HB 254 which would improve the way local domestic violence fatality review boards do their work.

Senator Nickie Antonio was elected to the Senate in 2018 after serving 8 years in the House where she was part of the leadership team. She represents the 23rd Senate District which includes parts of Cuyahoga County. She’s also the Assistant Minority Leader.

Sen. Antonio ran an outpatient substance abuse treatment program before she ran for office. A quick look at her legislative record shows that she’s been a champion for equal rights for women, the LGBTQ community, children, people with disabilities, and, of course, for making Ohio a better place for survivors of domestic violence.
She’s been an important adviser to ODVN this year, helping with strategy and communications.

ODVN DVAM/Croucher Award Press Release 2021
ODVN DVAM/Croucher Award Press Release 2020
ODVN DVAM/Croucher Award Press Release 2019
ODVN DVAM/Croucher Award Press Release 2018
ODVN DVAM/Croucher Award Press Release 2017
ODVN DVAM/Croucher Award Press Release 2016
ODVN DVAM/Croucher Award Press Release 2015
ODVN DVAM/Croucher Award Press Release 2014
ODVN DVAM/Croucher Award Press Release 2013