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.

Venica Miller has served the State of Ohio for nearly 32 years. She currently serves as the Deputy Director of Victim Service Initiatives for the Ohio Attorney General’s Crime Victim Services Section. She directs the training efforts for the section, including Two Days in May, Ohio’s statewide conference on victim assistance, and the Ohio Victim Assistance Academy. Venica has led and worked on projects and committees to ensure vulnerable communities understand their rights and responsibilities with a focus on women, victims, and the African American community. She is the co-chair of the Ohio Attorney General’s African American Employee Network and a member of the leadership team for the Women of Color Caucus directed by the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence and Ohio Domestic Violence Network. She has been an instrumental leader in the Linking Systems of Care for Ohio Youth Project, co-facilitated by ODVN and funded by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Victim Services.  Venica is an experienced business, special event, and training manager. She has managed training, projects, programs, retail, and volunteer teams at the local, state, and national levels.  Her goal is to always be the advocate’s advocate. She has played a significant role in helping victims of domestic violence by collaborating with state and local service agencies, as well as connecting local communities to funding resources. She is an ally for all victims of crime.

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