Thank you for advocating to end sexual violence! |
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Lawmakers, advocates, and survivors joined OAESV virtually and in-person for our Fall Advocacy Day to End Sexual Violence. Watch the recording of our broadcast here, and contact OAESV with any questions about our priority legislation and Rape Crisis Centers Line Item in the Ohio Operating Budget.
Thank you Representative Galonski, Representative Greenspan, Representative Brent, Representative Sweeney, Representative Boggs, Senator Eklund, Senator Kunze, and Senate President Obhof for sharing your time and insight with us on Thursday!
And thank you again to Leader Sykes, Representative Kelly, Representative Lipps, Representative Lanese, and Senator Antonio who joined us for our Spring Advocacy Day to End Sexual Violence!
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Federal Immigration Law Changes Impacting Survivors
On August 26, 2020, Department of Justice (DOJ) proposed an administrative rule reducing time before appeal deadlines, and adding significant procedural changes, for sexual violence survivors and other individuals pursuing immigration proceedings. These restrictions will significantly reduce survivor access to attorneys in immigration proceedings, and will place survivors already waiting for adjudication of USCIS petitions at higher risk for removal before their cases are determined.
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Join Rosa & Camille
Every Wednesday at 8:30 AM
on Facebook Live!
OAESV welcomes lawmakers, staff, and stakeholders to join OAESV for a weekly discussion about emerging impacts of the 22%-48% funding cuts applied to VOCA recipient rape crisis programs.
Each week, we will invite program directors, advocates, and other stakeholders to share insight, impact, and predictions about the state of rape crisis services in the coming grant cycle and next several years.
Join us Wednesday, September 30 for a robust discussion about new government initiatives that will provide much needed victim services, but may struggle as rape crisis budget cuts limit implementation.
https://www.facebook.com/oaesv/
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Declare Racism a Public Health Crisis
OAESV urges the Ohio House and Senate to pass SCR 14 and HCR 31, declaring racism a public health crisis.
"OAESV has re-energized its strategic plan, opened up and reviewed our employee handbook, analyzed our trainings and programs, and focused on our mission and values with an equity lens. We have actively urged our member rape crisis programs to do the same, and are providing vigorous support to that end. We know we are not the only sector that needs to actively change to dismantle racism. Our state government must heed the strategies outlined in this proposed resolution. To dismantle anti-Black racism and oppression in all its forms, change must take place from government offices, to state agencies, to non-profit programs, education institutions and the for-profit sector."
Rosa Beltré, Executive Director, OAESV
Proponent Testimony to the Ohio Senate Health, Human Services & Medicaid Committee
Click here for more information on how to support SCR 14 & HCR 31.
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Needs & Action Steps for Addressing Increased Child Sexual Abuse During COVID-19
As schools across Ohio resume in-person instruction, they must be prepared to provide support to those that disclose abuse and those encountering Title IX changes alike. Please review our special report to learn more about COVID-19 challenges impacting survivors. OAESV urges lawmakers to pass Erin's Law, HB 321 (no pending Senate legislation) in preparation for supporting young survivors. |
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House Bill 518
Removes Noneconomic Damages Cap for Rape or Assault Victim
House Bill 518 would remove existing civil tort claim damage award caps in cases pursued by victims arising from rape, felonious assault, aggravated assault, assault, and negligent assault.
Sponsors: Representatives Boggs & Russo
Committee: House Civil Justice Committee
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Senate Bill 162 & House Bill 290
Removes Limits on Prosecuting & Proving Certain Sex Offenses
These companion bills seek to eliminate spousal exemptions from Rape, Sexual Battery, Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor, Gross Sexual Imposition, and Importuning, as well as remove the statute of limitations for 2907.02 Rape. Along with executive branch efforts to eliminate the rape kit backlog, this legislation is critical to achieving justice for all survivors.
Sponsors: Senators Antonio & O'Brien, Representatives Boggs & Galonski
Committee: House Criminal Justice, Senate Judiciary
Click Here for OAESV's Fact Sheet |
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Erin's Law - House Bill 321
Current law does not mandate education addressing the pervasive problems of sexual abuse and sexual violence. HB 321 would require sexual abuse prevention education in grades K-6, add sexual violence prevention education in grades 7-12, and require additional training for school personnel. Ohio is a regional outlier, as Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York have all passed Erin's Law. Erin's Law curriculum first appeared in public schools in 2009, and Ohio's legislation meets our individual state's needs for district expertise in crafting compliant lessons.
Sponsors: Representatives Lipps & Kelly
Committee: Primary & Secondary Education
Click here for OAESV's Fact Sheet |
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Advocate Privilege
Senate Bill 196 & House Bill 337
Current law does not protect communications between survivors of sexual violence, human trafficking, stalking, or domestic violence and advocates providing crisis services. Ohio is one of just 14 states without privileged
communications in these circumstances. This bill also clarifies mandatory reporting obligations for child abuse in the provision of crisis services, and creates an exemption
from the felony reporting statute for advocates serving these survivors, as is customary in the Ohio Revised Code for privilege holders.
Sponsors: Senator Eklund, Representatives Galonski & Stein
Committees: Senate Judiciary, House Criminal Justice
Click Here for OAESV's Fact Sheet |
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House Bill 310
Ohio Anti-Bullying & Hazing Act
House Bill 310 seeks to require school districts to adopt and implement policies prohibiting harassment (including sexual harassment), bullying, and intimidation. Under the bill, schools must provide for both victims and persons handed consequences opportunities for academic support, time to make up school work missed in the context of the harassment/intimidation/bullying, and counseling.
Sponsor: Representative Greenspan
Committee: Primary & Secondary Education
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Upcoming Trainings & Events |
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For more information and to register, please visit our Training & Events Calendar here.
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OAESV October First Friday Call
Join OAESV for our monthly public policy update. This month, OAESV will share guidance on pending legislation, provide tips on communicating major survivor needs to lawmakers, and give analysis on Lame Duck processes and procedures.
Read more
register.gotowebinar.com
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OAESV's Legislative Newsletter is funded by a generous grant from the George Gund Foundation, a private Ohio non-profit
organization that has donated $722 million dollars since 1952 to projects that advance human welfare and society.
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