Ohio’s Statewide Anti Sexual Violence Coalition Presentation by: Samar Kaukab Ahmad, Executive Director

OAESV Mission Statement The mission of OAESV is to work to eliminate all forms of sexual violence and to advocate for the rights and needs of survivors and co-survivors of sexual violence.

OAESV Values Statement The OAESV recognizes that all forms of oppression are interrelated and that to end sexual violence we must work to end other forms of oppression. The elimination of gender inequality and other forms of systemic oppression are an integral part of sexual and intimate partner violence prevention and intervention work. In order to advocate for and serve all survivors and co-survivors of sexual violence, we must recognize that sexual violence has its roots in the state of inequality generated by the cultural phenomenon of patriarchy and perpetuated by attitudes of sexism, racism, classism, heterosexism, ableism, ageism, and nationalism. Our ultimate goal is to achieve human rights and social justice for all Ohioans. Our task requires that OAESV challenge and raise consciousness of flawed social norms in order to achieve our vision of social justice and human rights. We recognize that achieving cultural competence and inclusiveness requires our collective desire and effort to be open, accepting and respectful of Ohio’s diversity and mindful of its constantly evolving nature.

OAESV’s Formation & History OAESV was formed in 2008 by a group of concerned public policy oriented citizens in Ohio, known as the OAESV Steering Council. A careful, transparent and deliberate process was developed in order to create a sustainable, effective, and inclusive statewide sexual assault coalition. In 2009, a Needs Assessment of Ohio service providers was conducted and a report was written based on these findings. OAESV was awarded its first federal and state grant funding in In , OAESV staff was hired and office space was established in the YWCA Griswold Building in downtown Columbus. In April 2010, new OAESV Board Members were selected to serve on the OAESV Board of Directors. OAESV is looking to fill out the remaining spots in Fall 2010.

OAESV – Coalition Purposes ADVOCACY ▫ Work for the elimination of sexual violence ▫ Advance the rights of sexual violence survivors ▫ Oppose and actively work against any form of discrimination and oppression PUBLIC POLICY ▫ Educate policy makers and political entities in Ohio on the needs of sexual assault survivors and their families ▫ Support legislation that protects the human rights of survivors

OAESV Purposes Continued TRAINING & TA ▫ Strengthen services provided to survivors of sexual violence through program development and evaluation ▫ Promote primary prevention of sexual violence ▫ Provide opportunities for trainings and information on emerging issues within the field PUBLIC RELATIONS ▫ Serve as the statewide voice on behalf of the needs and rights of sexual violence survivors ▫ Serve as spokesperson for changing social norms to prevent sexual violence ▫ Developing short and long term media and social media strategies

OAESV Purposes Continued CRISIS INTERVENTION Fill gaps in services in crisis intervention Assist with difficult cases Coordinate crisis intervention efforts across the state with respect to sexual violence issues COLLABORATION Improve cross disciplinary communication and cooperation Provide increased opportunities for networking and information sharing Initiate collaborations and connect key stakeholders

OAESV Purposes Continued LONG RANGE PLANNING ▫ Identify long term strategies for statewide collaboration in ending sexual violence ▫ Support long term sustainability of services for survivors PROMOTION OF DIVERSITY & CULTURAL COMPETENCY ▫ Provide ongoing education & consultation on issues of diversity and cultural competency ▫ Promote interconnectedness of various forms of oppression

Why the presence of a statewide sexual assault coalition is essential in Ohio: Expressed need from service providers around the state for the establishment of a statewide sexual assault coalition. Lack of funding and resources in Ohio has had a devastating impact on the sexual assault services field. Need for a coordinated effort from the state level in order to provide direction to a variety of matters. Collaboration and linking among stakeholders is essential.

In , OAESV will be providing: Technical Assistance & Training Scholarships to attend statewide conferences Sexual Assault Resource Lending Library resources Victim services support and a statewide number A centralized Database of sexual violence related services in Ohio for stakeholders and survivors Development of media strategies and media training Public policy development and support Collaborative and networking opportunities Information about emerging issues in the field

OAESV’s Work to End Human Trafficking Human trafficking is inextricably linked to sexual violence. Combating trafficking must go hand in hand with measures to combat other forms of violence against women. As the statewide sexual violence coalition, our aim is to increase awareness on human trafficking; educate service providers on the nuances of dealing with HT survivors; and to develop and support public policy in support of HT survivors. It is our goal to support the efforts of other organizations that are working to eliminate HT; join and initiate collaborations and networks; share best practices and information; and provide information to members about the work of other entities working to eliminate HT.

Support Anti-Human Trafficking Policies in Ohio Support is needed for policies that protect the human rights of survivors of HT and provide them with needed services. There is a strong network of statewide and national advocacy organizations can provide interested individuals and organizations with support, guidance and resources on how to work to support policies that protect HT survivors.

Resources on HT Policy Information – The Polaris Project The Polaris Project – National Human Trafficking Resource Center is an excellent national resource for up to date information on human trafficking, The Polaris Project website provides current information on action you can take, including policy action alerts and information about pending state legislation.

OAESV Website Resources The OAESV is currently developing a content-rich website that will be a helpful resource for those who are interested in accessing information about a number of sexual violence issues, including human trafficking. The OAESV website will include updated policy information, links to other statewide and national organizations, a comprehensive database of services available in Ohio, and an online Resource Library amongst other resources.

Become a Founding Member of OAESV Membership is open to public/private organizations, government entities, and individuals located in Ohio. Members are committed to working together to advance the mission, values, and purposes of OAESV. Members who sign up in 2010 will be recognized as “Founding Members” of OAESV. Members are encouraged to invest in the future of OAESV by making a financial contribution. Contributions will help strengthen OAESV’s infrastructure as we work to build a thriving organization that helps all of us in our work to end sexual violence in Ohio. We hope that as many members as possible will engage in the work of OAESV and that no one will be excluded for inability to pay.

Ways to Stay Connected to OAESV Visit our website: Become a Founding Member and receive member specific services and benefits! Sign up for our mailing list available on our website Look out for s from OAESV on the sa-ohio list serv. Attend OAESV events, trainings and discussions

Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence Office Location: 65 South Fourth Street, Suite 405 (YWCA Columbus – Griswold Building) Columbus, OH Website: Phone: