On the Job 

The section provides compensation to help crime victims and their families cover eligible costs, as well as programming, funding, and training for victims and victim service providers.

On changes in the crime victim services field over the years

The crime victim services (CVS) field is dynamic; it’s con­stantly evolving. One change that comes to mind is how we view certain victims. For example, those who become involved in human trafficking now are far more likely to be looked upon as victims rather than offenders. That shift in attitude has led to a number of services being made avail­able to help those victims recover and reclaim their lives.

Extended services for domestic violence victims is part of what I see as a trend in the CVS field. There is also a shift toward focusing resources on the specific needs of other types of crime victims. For example, Attorney General DeWine has worked hard to expand services to survivors of sexual assault in areas that have typically been un­derserved. Our Elder Justice Initiative was put in place to protect senior citizens from neglect and abuse. Services offered to crime victims are becoming less generic and more tailored, and that’s a positive development.

On the types of assistance crime victims typically seek

The most common offenses that victims who come to us have suffered include: domestic violence, assault, homicide, sexual assault, and injuries related to impaired driving accidents. From those, our most frequent requests are for help with funeral costs, lost wages, medical bills, counseling expenses, and protection order fees.

On the future of the crime victim services section

I see the section providing more assistance to more victims – our mission is to reach out to and help as many victims as possible. We’ll soon have significantly more grant monies to distribute to victim service agencies throughout the state and that will enable those agencies to improve, strengthen, and expand what they offer to victims. I want anyone who is a victim of violent crime to know that help is available and that they don’t have to go through the process alone.

On how CVS collaborates with other AGO sections and state agencies

The Crime Victim Services Section couldn’t do this work alone. We routinely participate in outreach events with law enforcement, community organizations, and any agencies that are likely to be in contact with vic­tims so we can promote the services we have available. I also encourage our staff to go “above and beyond” when they’re helping victims: If someone has a need our section can’t meet, we’ll try to locate other agen­cies throughout the state that may be able to assist. We refer victims to other sections of the Attorney Gen­eral’s Office and we participate in special projects, such as the Elder Justice Initiative, with many of those sections. We also attend relevant events sponsored by other AGO sections, as well as other city and state agencies.


Tannisha Bell profile

Current position: Section Chief, Crime Victim Services Section

Previous jobs: Prior to joining the Ohio AGO, Tannisha was an assistant attorney general for the District of Columbia Office of the Attorney General, and served in the Mental Health and the Neighborhood and Victim Services Sections.

Education: Tannisha earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in sociology from Virginia Tech. She received her juris doctorate from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 2003.

Family: She is originally from Chesa­peake, Va., where most of her family still resides.