Ohio’s Statewide Anti Sexual Violence Coalition
www.oaesv.org
Presentation by:
Samar Kaukab Ahmad,
Executive Director
Email: sahmad@oaesv.org
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.
• OAESV was awarded its first
federal and state grant funding in
2009.
• A careful, transparent and
deliberate process was developed
in order to create a sustainable,
effective, and inclusive statewide
sexual assault coalition.
• In 2009-2010, OAESV staff was
hired and office space was
established in the YWCA Griswold
Building in downtown Columbus.
• In 2009, a Needs Assessment of
Ohio service providers was
conducted and a report was written
based on these findings.
• 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
• PUBLIC RELATIONS
▫ Serve as the statewide
voice on behalf of the
needs and rights of
sexual violence survivors
▫ Promote primary
prevention of sexual
violence
▫ Serve as spokesperson
for changing social norms
to prevent sexual
violence
▫ Provide opportunities for
trainings and information
on emerging issues
within the field
▫ 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
• PROMOTION OF DIVERSITY
& CULTURAL COMPETENCY
▫ Identify long term
strategies for statewide
collaboration in ending
sexual violence
▫ Provide ongoing
education & consultation
on issues of diversity and
cultural competency
▫ Support long term
sustainability of
services for survivors
▫ 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 2010-11, OAESV will be providing:
• Technical Assistance & Training
• Scholarships to attend statewide conferences
• Sexual Assault Resource Lending Library resources
• Victim services support and a statewide 1-800 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,
• http://nhtrc.polarisproject.org/
• The Polaris Project website provides current information on
action you can take, including policy action alerts and
information about pending state legislation.
• http://www.polarisproject.org/
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.
• http://www.oaesv.org/
• 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: www.oaesv.org
• Become a Founding Member and receive member
specific services and benefits!
• Sign up for our mailing list available on our website
• Look out for emails 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 43215
Website: www.oaesv.org
Phone: 614.233.3301
888.886.8388
Email: info@oaesv.org