The domestic violence coordinator for the Athens County Sheriff’s Office had her salary reduced when the department was denied a yearly Violence Against Women Act grant that funded her position.
Stacy Crook has become used to being the sole female responder on-scene when the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responds to calls for sexual assault or domestic abuse.
But her position could soon vanish.
As the domestic violence coordinator for the sheriff’s office, Crook’s job is to guide survivors of sexual assault or domestic abuse through the justice system while providing counseling. She also is a part of investigations and travels with deputies, ensuring that they’re handling cases in the most sensitive way possible. She also handles all personal protection orders.
This week, the department was informed by email that it had lost next year’s $60,000 federal grant funding that pays Crook’s salary.
Currently, Crook makes $20 an hour.
After Dec. 31, if Athens County Commissioners approve a $16,000 increase in the sheriff’s office budget for next year, she’ll make $13 an hour. Interim Sheriff Rodney Smith said he only offered a salary this low to ensure the budget change would be approved at all, and will know if the budget is approved by the end of the year.
County Commissioner Charlie Adkins said that as of Thursday evening, commissioners completed most of the county budgets. He estimates the sheriff’s budget will be confirmed in mid-December.
“The county gets quite a few calls for domestic crimes,” Crook said. “This is going to hurt us a lot.”
Smith’s office still has a chance to retrieve Crook’s original salary.
In December, the department will apply for a grant through the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, which would match the $60,000 lost. Smith said he’s unsure as to why the department was denied the original grant in the first place, but it will be notified in June on whether it received the second grant.
If Crook’s position does have to be eliminated or scaled back, Smith said the sheriff’s office could lean on Athens Police Department social worker Molly Burchfield. The Ohio University Survivor Advocacy Program and Athens County Prosecutor’s Office also offer assistance to survivors of sexual assault, while My Sister’s Place provides assistance and shelter to survivors of domestic abuse.
Alli Purcell, director of the victim assistance program at the prosecutors office, makes $19.25 an hour according to the Athens County Auditor’s Office.
Still, Crook said that survivors of sexual assault and violence will undeniably suffer if her position is eliminated.
“I was surprised this didn’t go through,” Smith said. “It’s one of our most important positions, and it’s been around as long as I can remember. She does a great job of preparing somebody to go to court and civil and protection orders, it takes a big burden off the deputies.”
Part of the department’s protocol is to call Crook immediately in the event of a sexual assault or a domestic abuse. Smith said it’s ideal that she’s the first face a survivor sees, as she’s trained to be sensitive to those cases.
“My goal is to keep her here until we can pay her what she deserves,” Smith said. “I’m confident we’ll get the funds to keep her here, and she wants to stay.”
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