Social distancing measures increase opportunities for sexual violence and exploitation perpetrators, and hinder survivor access to medical treatment and advocacy.
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Legislative Call to Action - Prohibit Sale of
At-Home Rape Kits
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'No need' for DIY rape kits during coronavirus pandemic, ...
Advocates for victims of sexual assault in Utah are warning against the use of do-it-your-self rape examination kits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more
kutv.com
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DIY rape kit companies see the pandemic as their chance...
For indispensable reporting on the coronavirus crisis and more, subscribe to Mother Jones' newsletters. On Sunday, a woman in Monterey County, California, called 911 to report that she had just been sexually assaulted. In the pre-coronavirus era, ...
Read more
www.motherjones.com
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Producers of "At-Home Kits" meant to collect evidence after a sexual assault are pushing to profit from the COVID-19 emergency. The companies, including MeToo Kits, Preserve Group, and Leda Health,
claim their kits will increase reporting and improve survivor outcomes. However, these kits are manipulative and dangerous, and seek to commercialize a medical process federal regulations mandate be free of charge for survivors in states receiving VAWA funding.
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, fear of infection or confusion about continued hospital services may deter survivors from seeking a SAFE exam. An “at-home” kit is not an adequate substitute. We continue to align with the appropriate agencies and medical centers to keep advocates and survivors informed on hospitals providing appropriate care during this unprecedented time, and will continue to caution against these dangerous products through all available channels.
Review our full letter to Governor DeWine, Attorney General Yost, President Obhof, Leader Yuko, Speaker Householder, and Leader Sykes
here.
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Wear Teal on April 22!
Show your support for OAESV's 8th Annual Advocacy Day to End Sexual Violence by wearing the teal pin provided in your invitation packet. Post a photo with
#embraceyourvoiceohio
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We are here for your constituents.
Survivors seeking legal resources can reach members of the Ohio Survivor Legal Assistance Clinic on April 23 and May 7 from 12:30-2:30 PM at 216-407-4315.
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Priority Ohio Legislation
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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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COVID19 Emerging Response Resources | Ohio Alliance to...
Since information and guidance continue to change and evolve, OAESV created this COVID-19 (coronavirus) resource page to share information relevant to providing sexual assault advocacy, working with funders, and getting support during this time....
Read more
www.oaesv.org
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Upcoming Trainings & Events
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In response to COVID-19, OAESV is shifting its programs to a virtual platform and/or rescheduling in-person events. For more information and to register, please visit our Training & Events Calendar
here
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OAESV's
8th Annual
VIRTUAL
Advocacy Day
To End Sexual Violence
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
9:00-3:00
Formal Program and Meetings via Remote Platform
OAESV staff will reach out to confirm legislative calls previously scheduled as in-person meetings!
Register for our Program
Here
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Forum Title IX:
Attorneys as Title IX
Advisers
May 28 & 29, 2020
9:00-5:00
OAESV Independence Conference Facility
2-Day Continuing Legal Education Training, up to 12 credits
Stay tuned for information as OAESV shifts this CLE to a virtual platform!
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Expertise on Sexual Violence Policy
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Join OAESV staff for our monthly discussion of federal and state legislation, regulatory issues, and appropriations updates impacting sexual violence survivors and the stability of Ohio rape crisis services.
May 1, 2020
1:00 - 2:00 PM
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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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