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One in four women and about one in 26 men have experienced rape or attempted rape, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Ohio expanding qualified Rape Crisis Centers

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Ohio is expanding its qualified rape crisis centers serving rural areas in the central and southeastern …

Sen. Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, the Senate Democratic leader, spoke at the Ohio Domestic Violence Network's Advocacy Day. She is sponsoring Senate Bill 100, which would prohibit the installation of an electronic tracking device on someone else's property without their consent. (Denise Kontras)<br />

In Ohio, a push to pass bill that would ban electronic tracking without consent

More than 100 Ohio advocates gathered this week to speak with lawmakers about policies affecting survivors of intimate-partner violence, including a …

The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey reported about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men have been stalked at some point in their lives. (Adobe Stock)

In rural Ohio, stalking incidents remain underreported

January is Stalking Awareness Month and advocates said cases of unwanted or repeated surveillance or contact, often alongside intimidation and …

It is estimated more than 1 million people are trafficked in the U.S. yearly, according to the organization Hope for Justice. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Experts: Human traffickers prey on the vulnerable

Today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and experts said the trafficking of women, children, and men continues to be a problem in Ohio…

Forensic nurses are trained to provide consultation testimony for civil criminal proceedings, courtroom testimony, and to intersect with the legal system in ways other health care professionals typically do not. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Forensic nurses offer trauma-informed care

Sexual assault survivors in rural Ohio may have to travel hours to get a forensic exam. During National Forensic Nurses Week, Ohio advocates say …

In Ohio, 27 counties had fatal incidents of domestic violence between July 2022 and June 2023, according to the latest Domestic Violence Fatality Report. (Adobe Stock)

New report shows 112 domestic-violence fatalities in Ohio over past year

In the past year, 112 Ohioans died because of domestic violence, according to data recently released by the Ohio Domestic Violence Network According …

About one in four women, and nearly one in 10 men, have experienced sexual violence, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Support for OH domestic violence survivors for substance use, mental health

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in the last few years, Ohio has seen an increase in both the number and severity of …

Ohio survivor Christa Hullaby now helps other domestic violence survivors working to build a new life. (Christa Hullaby)<br />

After Years of Budget Cuts, Ohio Boosts Support for Domestic Violence Survivors

Advocacy groups say a $20 million statewide funding increase will help rebuild community domestic violence services after years of budget cuts…

Sexual assault in the home is a leading cause of homelessness among women and girls, according to the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence. (Adobe Stock)

OH Program Provides Housing for Sexual Violence Survivors

Sexual assault survivors in Ohio can now access short-term emergency housing through a new program run by the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence…

One in three API women report experiencing sexual violence victimization, not including rape, in their lifetime, according to the Center at 909. (Adobe Stock)

Cultural Barriers May Prevent API Sexual Violence Survivors from Seeking Help

May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, and according to the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence, the number of Asian American …

Ohio's domestic violence shelters provided emergency housing to nearly ten thousand people last year, according to the Ohio Domestic Violence Network (Adobe Stock)

Toolkit Helps Recognize Signs of Brain Injury in Domestic-Violence Survivors

People with no formal health training may be able to spot signs of brain injury in domestic-violence survivors, using a set of tools called CARE…

Ohio Domestic Violence Network Policy Director Maria York addresses legislators, domestic violence advocates and news media at the Ohio Statehouse during a recent Advocacy Day event. (Ohio Domestic Violence Network)

Amid More Severe Domestic Violence Cases, Ohio Advocates Call for More Funding

Ohio's domestic violence shelters provided emergency housing to nearly 10,000 people last year, and advocates are calling for a funding boost…

More than half of women and nearly one in four men have experienced sexual violence during their lifetime, according to the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio’s Rape Crisis Centers See Boost in State Funding

Gov. Mike DeWine recently announced he's providing $30 million to boost rape crisis services statewide, after years of federal funding cuts. …

More than 80% of women with disabilities have been sexually assaulted, and research suggests that these women experience more frequent and more severe acts of violence, according to <a href=

data from the YWCA. (Adobe Stock)
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Increasing Support for Ohio Sexual Assault Survivors with Disabilities

Ohio community groups seeking ways to increase support for sexual assault survivors living with disabilities. A January 23rd training session hosted …

Research indicates the number of women who have experienced Traumatic Brain Injury secondary to domestic violence is 11 to 12 times greater than experienced by military personnel and athletes combined. (Adobe Stock)

Initiative Aims to Fill Health-Care Gap Among Domestic-Violence Survivors

A new statewide initiative aims to help connect domestic-violence survivors with medical providers, with a focus on treating traumatic brain injury…

Junior high students have reported incidents of sexual harassment, according to Ohio's rape crisis centers. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Rape Crisis Centers Share Successes, Challenges

Rape crisis centers assist sexual abuse survivors and educate about violence prevention, and collaboration is a key aspect of their work. The Ohio …

One in four domestic-violence fatalities in Ohio involved victims who previously reported a domestic violence incident to police. (Adobe Stock)

Babes in Arms: Rising Number of Ohio Kids Killed by Domestic Violence

A new report shows there were 112 domestic violence-related deaths in Ohio in a recent 12-month period, including 22 youth, the highest number in the …

Engaging Men addresses bringing men into the conversation both as survivors of sexual violence and as allies. (Adobe Stock)

'Engaging Men' Brings New Voices into Sexual-Violence Dialogue

An initiative at one Ohio nonprofit is taking on the topic of men and sexual violence. There is a false notion men are not experiencing sexual …

Some abusers use gaslighting and control tactics to undermine their partner's ability to leave. (Adobe Stock)

Domestic Violence, Addiction and Mental Health: Unraveling a Complex Web

New work is being done in Ohio to help free people who are caught in the complex web of domestic violence, addiction and mental health. Cheryl Stahl…

More than one-third of Victim Services workers in Ohio say they don't have enough paid time off from their jobs to maintain a work-life balance. (Adobe Stock)

Burnout, Inadequate Pay Plague Ohio's Victim Services Workforce

Ohioans who work, day in and day out, with some of the most vulnerable populations are struggling with major burnout, according to new data. Program …

The same conditions creating poverty can increase risk factors for intimate-partner violence. (Adobe Stock)

Economic Supports as a Pathway to Violence Prevention

Economic supports could be the key to reducing intimate-partner violence, which claims the lives of dozens of Ohioans each year. Research from the …

The Power of a Collective Voice to End Sexual Violence

Justice for survivors, removing a legal loophole for spousal rape and age-appropriate sexual violence education are the policy priorities Ohio …

Worker turnover at children's services agencies is linked to increased time kids spend in foster care. <br />(Adobe Stock)

Worker Turnover: Stakes High in Children's Services

While workforce shortages are plaguing nearly every field these days, the stakes are particularly high for Ohio's county children's services agencies…

Sexual violence is suffered disproportionately by women of color, people with disabilities and those who identify as LGBTQ. (Adobe Stock)

Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Education is Prevention

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, and Ohioans are encouraged to become allies for survivors. Nearly one in five women …

Senate Bill 215 is the latest law loosening gun restrictions in Ohio. In April 2021, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 175, the

OH 'Constitutional Carry' Bill Worries Domestic-Violence Survivor Advocates

By Halena SepulvedaBroadcast version by Emily Scott reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Even though Ohio has been …

Fifty-nine percent of Black domestic-violence survivors surveyed said they avoided calling the police out of fear of further violence from their abuser. (Adobe Stock)

Marginalized Survivors Report Bias When Seeking Help in Ohio

A new survey reveals instances of bias in the ways police, courts and social services respond to domestic-violence survivors in Ohio in times of …

Victims of labor and sexual trafficking often are kept isolated as a method of control. (Adobe Stock)

Human Trafficking Happens in Our Backyard

Modern-day slavery exists in the form of human trafficking, and Ohio is among the top states with high rates of the crime. Traffickers use force or …

Stalkers sometimes target friends, family, or new romantic partners of their primary victim. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Survivor Speaks Out: Stand Up to Stalking

Nicole Bialko of Columbus is among the one-in-six women who've experienced stalking. And she's sharing her story to encourage other victims to stand …

About three in five kids in foster care return home to their parents or other family members.<br />(avtk/Adobe Stock)

Evolution of Ohio's Children Services System, Part 3: The Future

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In a system plagued by a history of disparities, Ohio's child-welfare workers and children's advocates say it is time to reimagine …

Black children represent 36% of the children in foster care in Ohio, while they represent 14% of children in the general population. (Adobe Stock)

The Evolution of Ohio's Children Services System, Part 1: History

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Children Services is tasked with protecting the safety, well-being, and permanency of children and families, but some experts say …

The statute of limitations in cases of rape in Ohio is currently 25 years. (Adobe Stock)

OH Advocates Urge Eliminating Statute of Limitations; Spousal Exemption

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Ohio advocates are hoping to see legislation passed that removes barriers to …

In Ohio in the past year, 121 people were injured or killed by a person with a gun in a domestic violence incident. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Domestic Violence Deaths Rise 62% Over Two Years

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Deaths linked to domestic violence continue to rise in Ohio, according to the Ohio Domestic Violence Network's sixth-annual report …

Male survivors of sexual assault sometimes feel shame or self-doubt that prevents them seeking help. (AdobeStock).

Sexual-Violence Prevention: Patriarchal Ideas a Barrier for Men

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Anyone can become a victim of sexual violence, and work is underway in Ohio to ensure that men feel welcome in the anti-violence …

More than 111,000 people were served by Ohio's domestic-violence programs in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Boosts Funding for Domestic-Violence Survivors

COLUMBUS, Ohio - More money soon will be available to help survivors of domestic abuse in Ohio. State lawmakers earmarked $7.5 million for domestic-…

More than half of women who have been raped by their spouse also report repeat victimization in their relationship. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Bill Would End Spousal Exemptions for Sexual Violence

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A bill under consideration in the Ohio Legislature would ensure relationship status doesn't limit a sexual assault victim's ability …

The Ohio Domestic Violence Network's Fresh Start program is supported by funds from the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan. (Anete Lusina/Pexels)

OH Domestic Violence Prevention Focus on Housing Options for Survivors

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- New programs available to domestic violence-prevention groups in Ohio aim to help survivors transition into safe, stable housing…

Domestic-violence hotlines are a lifeline for victims seeking safety and support. <br />(AdobeStock)

Domestic-Violence Support: Not All Calls for Help Getting Answered

Clarification: Added additional information on the General Assembly budget process. 5/12/2021 5:26pm Central COLUMBUS, Ohio -- During a single 24-…

Survivors of sexual violence are often reluctant to seek help. (Adobe Stock)

Rape-Crisis Agencies, Already Burdened by Cuts, Brace for More

Correction: MacMath directs COMPASS (Sexual Assault Education, Prevention & Support), an affiliate of Goodwill Industries. An earlier version of this …

#EverydayOhioHeroes campaign encourages adults to take a proactive role in preventing child abuse and neglect. (geralt/Pixabay)

Keeping Ohio Kids Safe a Shared Responsibility

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Advocates hope their message of protecting kids being a shared responsibility will strike a chord with Ohioans during Child Abuse …

More than half of domestic-violence programs in Ohio reported an increase in the severity of violence and injuries reported in 2020.(AdobeStock)

A Virtual Call to Action to Support Domestic-Violence Programs

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Dozens of anti-domestic-violence advocates in Ohio are coming together to call for improved funding for services that help people …

In today's online universe, dating abuse and even violence often can take place by cellphone. (Adobe Stock)

Teen Dating Violence: Red, Green Flags of Relationships

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Young love is supposed to be sweet and fun, yet one in three teens experiences abuse from a romantic partner. February is Teen …

Because it occurs behind closed doors, quantifying the scope of human trafficking is difficult. (AdobeStock)

Human Trafficking: Pandemic Increases Vulnerability, Diminishes Response

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and advocates in Ohio say COVID-19 has made awareness more important than ever…

Healthy masculinity involves speaking out against abusive language and behaviors. (Adobe Stock)

Using 'Healthy Masculinity' to Curb Gender-Based Violence

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- "Know better. Do better. Be better." That's the message violence-prevention advocates are hoping catches on among young men and …

Advocates for survivors of sexual assault worry cuts to funding could affect the ability of crisis centers to help them. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's Sexual-Assault Response Network Faces Massive Cuts

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In an already challenging year, advocates for sexual-assault survivors in Ohio are grappling with major funding cuts. The state's …

At least 70% of domestic-violence fatalities in Ohio involve a handgun. (AdobeStock)

Ohio Domestic-Violence Deaths Rise as Programs Face Cuts

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- New data is highlighting the need to strengthen programs that help prevent and respond to domestic violence. An annual report from …

Domestic violence shelters are adjusting living areas to accommodate the learning needs of Ohio kids during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Safe Spaces Become Learning Spaces for Children Fleeing Violence

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Families and educators in Ohio aren't the only ones coping with back-to-school challenges during a pandemic. Domestic violence …

Some Ohio pharmacies are providing information about resources for domestic-violence survivors to customers. (AdobeStock)

Pharmacies Becoming Safe Space for Domestic-Violence Survivors

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Some of the measures intended to help stop the spread of COVID-19 are making difficult times even more challenging for victims of …

Brain injuries from domestic violence can cause physical and mental issues, including headaches, fatigue, dizziness, depression and anxiety. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Research Brings to Light Brain Injuries from Domestic Abuse

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Sometimes, the impacts of physical abuse run deeper than a scar, and researchers in Ohio are digging deeper into cognitive injuries …

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OH: Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault