Registration has closed for the annual Two Days in May Conference

Teresa Stafford-Wright, Survivor and Chief Executive Officer, Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center

With raw honesty and a message of hope, Teresa Stafford-Wright shares her powerful journey of resilience, healing and post-traumatic growth as a sexual-abuse survivor who entered the criminal-justice system at just 14 years old. Teresa faced decades of compounding trauma. Yet, through determination and self-discovery, she transformed her pain into purpose, emerging as a nationally recognized leader and advocate for survivors of sexual violence, domestic abuse and human trafficking. Teresa’s story exemplifies the strength and growth that can come from life’s harshest experiences. She empowers audiences to embrace healing, turn adversity into strength and unlock the transformative power of post-traumatic growth. This compelling presentation is a call to action for those ready to move beyond survival and into a life of purpose and impact.

Erica Harris, MS, CHES, ADAC, University of Cincinnati’s Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Doug Jackson, 988 Administrator (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Brei Miller, Program Director, Ohio Brain Injury Program

In 2019, an estimated 7.39 million people in the United States had an intellectual or developmental disability, with many of those individuals also having a mental-health condition. People with disabilities are overrepresented at all stages of the criminal-justice system, from jail and prison to probation and parole. Forty percent of state prison inmates have a disability, compared with 15% of the general U.S. population. There are also high rates of co-occurring mental-health conditions and involvement in the criminal-justice system for people with brain injuries and other cognitive disabilities. This presentation provides an overview of intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities and brain injury, and includes a brief discussion of accommodations, communication, behavior and crisis prevention. The session also explores various initiatives and training resources available to law enforcement officers as a way of continuing to improve police response and support before, during and after a crisis.

Breana Griffin, Access to Care Manager, Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center of Summit and Medina Counties
Megan Vermillion, Director of Survivor Services, Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center of Summit and Medina Counties

This training will provide an overview of Hope and Healing’s mission and the impactful role storytelling plays in the healing process for survivors of trauma. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Speaker’s Bureau Program, which empowers survivors to share their experiences to foster healing, awareness, and advocacy. The session will also highlight Stories of Strength, sharing examples of survivor journeys to illustrate resilience and recovery. Additionally, guidance will be provided on how to establish safe spaces for survivors to learn how and when to share their story, followed by a Q&A segment to address participant questions and provide further clarification.

Lisa DeGeeter, Senior Director of Policy and Prevention, Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Alexandria Ruden, Supervising Attorney, Legal Aid Society of Cleveland

This presentation provides an overview of state and federal legislative, statutory, rule and policy changes affecting domestic violence, stalking, dating violence, and sexual-violence law and services. Also discussed are significant case-law developments, statutory law, and relevant changes to Ohio's court and administrative rules.

Glenn Harris, Director of Prevention, Ohio Domestic Violence Network/Ohio Men's Action Network
Darlene Hills-Clinkscale, M.S. Ed., Founder and Faith-Based GBV Preventionist, Stop It Before It Starts
Phadra Z. McCray, M. Ed, MSW, LISW, You Matter Staff Support Clinician, Nationwide Children's Hospital

Faith communities can play a crucial role in the lives of people experiencing gender-based violence, yet they tend to be the missing component in community efforts to end such crime. A person's place of worship is often where a victim goes first to report abuse, making it vital that partnerships be formed to share information, prevention strategies and resources — which will greatly expand a community’s ability to support survivors. This workshop discusses the importance of partnerships, barriers to partnerships, and ways to form and maintain partnerships to assist a community’s most vulnerable members.

Deborah Miller, Director of Crime Compensation, Crime Victim Services Section, Ohio Attorney General’s Office
Candice Suffren, Senior Assistant Attorney General and Unit Coordinator, Crime Victim Services Section, Ohio Attorney General’s Office

The Ohio Crime Victims Compensation Program reimburses qualifying victims of crime for out-of-pocket expenses that directly result from their victimization. This overview of the program covers eligibility requirements, the application process, and ways to connect victims to the Victim Information and Notification Program (VINE).

Rachel Dye, Shelter Manager, Haven House of Pickaway County
Lisa Johnson, Executive Director, Haven House of Pickaway County

In serving victims of domestic violence, the Haven House of Pickaway County succeeds with the help and support of the community. This workshop examines what it takes to develop effective community partnerships, including the need to identify the people, businesses and agencies that can be of assistance as well as the benefits of these collaborations. Also discussed is the importance of establishing connections — specifically, knowing the right people to contact to get the help you’re looking for — and ensuring that your agency becomes known and respected in the community for the services it provides to victims.

Cody Tatum MSW, LSW, Harcum House Child Advocacy Center

A caregiver’s responses to child sexual abuse can significantly affect children — in both the short and long term. In discussing some basic principles of child sexual-abuse disclosure, the presenter focuses on the spectrum of reactions to abuse discovery and explores dynamics such as ambiguity, disbelief and re-traumatization. In addition, practical tips are offered on how to navigate these barriers and promote the best holistic outcomes.

Amy Hayden, Advocate, Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services
Brittany E. Hayes, Associate Professor, University of Cincinnati
Amanda Simmons, Associate Professor, University of Cincinnati

Members of this University of Cincinnati research team have identified gaps and brainstormed ‘fixes’ to support victims with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in reporting sexual assaults. In their work, the team connected with professionals (law enforcement, victim advocates), individuals with IDD, and the community (caregivers, support personnel). The group discusses barriers to communication, current policy and available accommodations to support individuals with IDD, as well as areas for training.

Individuals with IDD are often missing from data due to, among other things, communication differences. The research team developed several tools — inclusive interview guides, visual schedules and social stories included — to help ensure that all voices are heard, especially those of survivors with IDD. The team shares these tools so that others might be more intentional about making sure that individuals with disabilities are centered in decision-making.

Leah Stone, Training Director, Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Kar’mell Triplett, Survivor
Maria York, Policy Director, Ohio Domestic Violence Network

When crime victims suspect that their location is being tracked through GPS or Bluetooth technology, there are some effective safety strategies that advocates can turn to. Workshop participants learn how to identify and address the risks associated with technology-facilitated tracking and become familiar with practical tools and techniques to assess risk, enhance survivor safety and document concerns for potential legal intervention. Also covered in the session are recent legislative changes and advocacy initiatives aimed at addressing non-consensual location-based tracking. The presenters use videos created in collaboration with law enforcement as well as scenarios and physical examples of tracking devices to help victim advocates respond more effectively to technology-facilitated abuse directed at the victims they serve.

Jane Bryan, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Cleveland Clinic
Alexandria Ruden, Supervising Attorney, Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
Heather Wilde, Director of Education for Forensic Nursing Network

This overview of the medical implications of strangulation encompasses relevant statistics in exploring why strangulation is so lethal. It also addresses the legal implications, including Ohio's new strangulation law, and significant legal challenges. Expert-witness testimony — including qualifications, the rules of evidence and report writing — are also discussed, with a focus on handling strangulation cases in the context of relevant case law. Attendees learn about emerging best practices, new research, case law, and ways to approach cases and save lives.

Alma Diaz, Spanish-Bilingual Advocate, Community Refugee and Immigration Services
Lara Downing, Program Manager, Community Refugee and Immigration Services

What happens when a person goes missing? And how can authorities determine who the victims are — the missing person, that person’s family, both or neither? Using real-world case studies involving marginalized communities, this session examines the challenges posed by language barriers, immigration status, cultural differences and discrimination – all of which can hinder a family’s ability to seek help and find resolution.

Participants engage in critical discussions about how advocates encounter missing-person cases across diverse circumstances and the unique ethical challenges faced by advocates (including balancing confidentiality, cultural considerations and legal obligations) as well as the emotional toll of working on missing-person cases. Attendees leave with culturally responsive, trauma-informed strategies to better support families, foster trust, and navigate the legal and systemic complexities surrounding missing persons.

Mark Elliott, Lieutenant, Marion Police Department
Aaron Marburger, Detective, Marion County Sheriff Office
Courtney Rittenour, Coordinator and Victim Advocate, Marion Victim Assistance Program

The Marion Victim Assistance Program partners with the Marion Police Department and Marion County Sheriff Office to provide victim-centered services, crime prevention and programs aimed at strengthening the community. Using the highly successful Unarmed Self-Defense Program as an example, this workshop demonstrates how teamwork benefits law enforcement, advocates, survivors and the community as a whole. The Unarmed Self Defense Program addresses situational awareness, individuals rights and responsibilities regarding self-defense, physical defense, and use of community partnerships.

Elyse McConnell, Executive Director, Ohio Victim Witness Association (OVWA)
Rachel Ramirez, Director of Health and Disability Programs and Founder of Center on Partner-Inflicted Brain Injury, Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Wendy Ricks Hoff, Program Director, OVWA

This interactive presentation focuses on the importance of community and system-based advocacy that serves crime victims in an ethical manner. Advocates have a duty to learn and operate within a code of ethics that protects both the advocate and the crime victim and instills best practices to ensure effective and supportive advocacy service.

Participants learn about the National Organization of Victim Advocacy’s code of ethics for advocates and how practical application of advocacy skills through an ethical-service lens can lead to exceptional victim services. The session examines the intersection of personal ethics, biases and values, and takes a deep dive into advocacy boundaries and confidentiality. Active participation is encouraged, so attendees are asked to familiarize themselves with the NOVA code of ethics to prepare questions ahead of the workshop.

Suzanne Barker, Staff Attorney, CASA of Franklin County
Sarah Brown, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney - Specialty Dockets/Juvenile Division, Franklin County Prosecutor's Office
Michelle Mumaw, Staff Attorney, CASA of Franklin County

Have you ever wondered what trauma-responsive care looks like in a specialty-docket setting for youth who are at high risk or who have been sex-trafficked? Many youth involved in the justice system are often linked with multiple community child-welfare agencies, but some still manage to fall through the cracks. The session presenters discuss methods for collaborating among agencies and stakeholders to achieve improved outcomes for high-risk, high-need youth. They examine how continuing education, meeting frequency, streamlined communication, incentives, consistency and flexibility all aid in creating a supportive and effective specialty-docket environment.

Mallory Minter-Mohr, Social Science Research Specialist, Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services

Various state agencies collect a range of data that shows which Ohio communities are most affected by violent crime, including homicide, sexual assault and domestic violence. In this workshop, attendees learn how to find and access relevant data and how their agency can use the data to improve grant applications, inform program development, illustrate the prevalence and impact of crimes in their communities, assess program effectiveness and raise awareness. The discussion focuses on data from the Ohio School Safety Center and the state departments of Public Safety, Health, Education and Workforce, and Mental Health and Addiction Services. Data sources include self-reported experiences from students, reports from school administration, and law enforcement incident reports.

Shelby Lieber, Survivor Coordinator, Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence

Rural communities have unique barriers, strengths, and attitudes around sexual violence. Following a three-year project centered on rural Ohio communities, the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence shares an overview of the resulting statewide needs-assessment data and survivor stories. The discussion focuses on what rural is; the geographical, infrastructure and cultural barriers faced by rural survivors; the successes and failures in the alliance’s collaborations in rural communities; the need to increase services in rural areas; and the need for ethical storytelling to both change community culture and empower survivors.

Latina Bailey, Senior Staff Attorney, Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center
Morgan Galle, Senior Staff Attorney, Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center

Since Ohio’s “Bill of Rights” for crime victims (Marsy’s Law) took effect seven years ago and the law’s implementing legislation (House Bill 343 and Senate Bill 16) two years ago, Ohio’s appellate courts and Supreme Court have decided more than 100 cases interpreting these laws. This session covers this case law, helping attendees to understand the big-picture takeaways of court interpretation of victims’ rights laws, including the crucial rights to privacy, restitution and appellate review.

Kristen Arapp, Victim Advocate, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
Aretha Gamble, Victim Advocate, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
Jennifer Pribe, Chief Hearing Officer, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction

This session examines the Adult Parole Authority violation hearing process for those under Post Release Control and Parole supervision, and discusses how crime victims can play an intricate part in the process. Under Senate Bill 201 (the Reagan Tokes Law), the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction can address rule-infraction behavior by imposing additional prison sanction time. Attendees learn how this process provides a safe environment for prison staff, incarcerated adults, and victims. In addition, the Office of Victim Services provides a snapshot of its services, including how the office can help crime victims at violation hearings.

Teri Ruslander, Elder Services Coordinator and Retired Detective, Grove City Division of Police

Elder financial exploitation is an ever-growing and devastating societal problem that hurts not only victims but also their families and the community at large. This workshop examines the complexity of elder financial exploitation, the legal mechanisms available to resolve particular cases, and the need to respond to elder exploitation with a multidisciplinary approach. The audience is educated about the roles and responsibilities of a victim's advocate/Adult Protective Services compared with those of criminal investigators. Participants gain a greater awareness of the various types of elder financial exploitation and how they can intervene to protect their clients from such crimes.

Elyse McConnell, Executive Director, Ohio Victim Witness Association (OVWA)
Rachel Ramirez, Director of Health and Disability Programs and Founder of Center on Partner-Inflicted Brain Injury, Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Wendy Ricks Hoff, Program Director, OVWA

This interactive presentation focuses on the importance of community and system-based advocacy that serves crime victims in an ethical manner. Advocates have a duty to learn and operate within a code of ethics that protects both the advocate and the crime victim and instills best practices to ensure effective and supportive advocacy service.

Participants learn about the National Organization of Victim Advocacy’s code of ethics for advocates and how practical application of advocacy skills through an ethical-service lens can lead to exceptional victim services. The session examines the intersection of personal ethics, biases and values, and takes a deep dive into advocacy boundaries and confidentiality. Active participation is encouraged, so attendees are asked to familiarize themselves with the NOVA code of ethics to prepare questions ahead of the workshop.

Jonathan Abram, Case Support Officer, Franklin County Child Support Enforcement Agency
Katherine Kausek, Manager of SAVES Grant, Office of Child Support, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Maria York, Policy Director, Ohio Domestic Violence Network

One of the primary reasons that survivors of domestic violence stay with their abuser — or return after leaving — is the lack of financial resources to live independently. The core purpose of the child-support program — ensuring that families receive reliably consistent support — is ideally aligned to promote survivors’ ability to safely leave violent relationships and establish safe, independent living situations for themselves and their children. For those who work with survivors who have questions about child support, this session provides an overview of Ohio's child-support program, including the role of county child-support agencies and the work being done at the state and local levels to make the program safer for survivors of domestic violence through the Safe Access for Victims' Economic Security (SAVES) grant.

Matt Champlin, Sheriff, Gallia County
Jason Holdren, Prosecutor, Gallia County
Amy Sisson, Ph.D., LPCC-S with Survivor Services, Gallia County Prosecutor’s Office

This keynote address will examine how a multidisciplinary team—comprising law enforcement, prosecution, and mental health professionals—can support the recovery of both crime victims and the first responders involved in their cases. Using a tragic child abuse case from Gallia County as a framework, the speakers will discuss the process of building a collaborative team that not only aids victims but also provides crucial support to all those impacted by the case.

Attendees will gain insights into trauma-informed practices that go beyond standard approaches, learning practical strategies to deliver victim-centered and culturally competent services, even in resource-limited settings. The session will highlight how different sectors can work together to implement best practices that positively impact both children and adults.

While the presenters' experience is rooted in a rural setting, the innovative strategies and creative problem-solving they share will be applicable to professionals in any environment. Sheriff Champlin, Prosecutor Holdren, and Dr. Sisson understand the challenges of demanding work with limited resources, yet they remain committed to overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of justice and effective victim care. Participants will leave this session inspired and equipped with new approaches to enhance their work.

Cierra Davis, Advocacy Director, Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center
Morgan (Keilholz) Galle, Senior Staff Attorney, Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center
Valerie Hooper, Supervisor of Victim Services and Offender Watch Unit, Delaware County Sheriff's Office

Ohio law regarding crime victims’ rights has changed significantly in recent years. Yet, as with any other new laws, practical application within law enforcement agencies, prosecutor’s offices and courtrooms can lag behind the effective dates of statutory changes. This workshop offers concrete tips regarding advanced advocacy techniques to ensure that a victim’s rights are protected throughout a criminal case. Specifically, the session focuses on the investigation stage, with guidance provided by an experienced advocate who works within law enforcement on best practices and strives to maintain productive relationships with officials in the criminal-justice system — all in an effort to best serve victims.

Chelsea Gaffey, LSW, Juvenile Justice Trafficking Liaison, Ohio Department of Youth Services
Jodi Stanton, Safe Harbor/Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator, Hamilton County Juvenile Court
Anna Travis, Ph.D., Safe Harbor Coordinator, Delaware County Juvenile Court

This session examines how to develop Safe Harbor response procedures, adopt diversion programs to better serve exploited youth, and increase identification of youth experiencing trafficking in the juvenile justice system. Participants broaden their understanding of how to engage community partners in establishing a coordinated multidisciplinary-response protocol for addressing child trafficking and providing the most helpful, supportive care possible.

Participants learn about the Ohio Department of Youth Services’ Human Trafficking Screening Tool, a validated nonproprietary tool intended to screen for high-risk indicators of sex and labor trafficking. Presenters explain the implementation of this tool in Ohio’s statewide juvenile justice system and the holistic response to identified victims.

The session also examines the challenges associated with providing whole-person support, employing best-practice standards, and ensuring that youth are active participants in identifying their needs and the resources needed to meet those needs.

Kasey Holderbaum, Health and Disability Project Coordinator, Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Rachel Ramirez, Director of Health and Disability Programs and Founder of Center on Partner-Inflicted Brain Injury, Ohio Domestic Violence Network

Many victims of domestic violence experience traumatic physical violence involving blows to the head or face and/or strangulation. Brain injury caused by violence is rarely identified and is almost never treated immediately, leading to both short- and long-term physical, emotional and cognitive harm that can affect all areas of a victim’s life, including the victim’s ability to access and participate in social services. This session explores the complex and nuanced intersection of victimization, trauma and brain injury. Also discussed are opportunities for collaboration in understanding violence-related brain injury and responding to brain-injured victims.

Mae Bennett, Manager, Domestic Violence Services, Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland
Riane' Robinson, KNOW Abuse and Prevention Specialist, Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland

In this workshop, advocates who work with youth learn about new tools to support young people in the post-COVID lockdown era. The presenters emphasize what it means to “meet youth where they're at” in 2025. Since the pandemic lockdown, teens and tweens are experiencing increased levels of anxiety, disengagement and emotional struggles, which correlate with increased isolation and developmental delays. The session covers the neurobiology of the teen brain and how trauma, including trauma stemming from the lockdown, has affected their functioning. To address these challenges, the presenters emphasize the importance of healthy behaviors, including emotional regulation; self-care; and a safe, supportive environment for teens.

Delia Brennan-Parks, Direct Services Advocate, Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center
Katie Howell, Advocacy Services Manager, Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center

As survivors interact with a variety of systems during and after their victimization, the complexities of these systems can compound their trauma. In addition to the direct harm caused by their perpetrators, many victims face additional barriers — including, in some cases, subsequent arrest — by the systems intended to protect them. This session follows a survivor through a process that can encompass jail/community-based correctional facilities, a courtroom and community re-entry. Although traditional advocacy training focuses on court advocacy for crime victims, this workshop identifies the nuances of criminalized survivorship, emphasizing best practices for advocates when navigating these systems through a trauma-informed, harm-reduction lens.

Erin Becker, Coordinator, High-Risk Domestic Violence Court, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court
Suehad Husien, Victim Advocate, Cuyahoga County Witness Victim Services
David Schlegel, Sergeant, Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department

Team members from the Cuyahoga County High-Risk Domestic Violence Court detail their multidisciplinary model aimed at reducing the risk of homicide in cases of intimate-partner violence. They share how the team collaborates to identify and reduce risk, citing cases in which their communication and coordination helped improve victim safety and offender accountability. They also provide risk-reduction strategies that attendees can incorporate into their work.

Elliott Fullenkamp, Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence

Ethical storytelling cannot begin and end with survivor speaker bureaus. As victim-assistance professionals, we use storytelling in every aspect of our work, including education, training, outreach, prevention and fundraising work. The stories we share should contribute to a narrative that supports all survivors, not one that further marginalizes and traumatizes them. This workshop explores the pedagogical strengths and ethical considerations of sharing stories about the people and populations we serve. It presents a strategy for aligning educational storytelling practices with the ethical standards, values and objectives of the victim-assistance field.

Loretta Craddock, MPH, MSW, OSU STAR Advocate and Outreach Relations Specialist, OSU STAR Program
Dontae Reynolds, OSU STAR Advocate and Outreach Relations Specialist, OSU STAR Program
Christy Walters, LPCC, Manager and TRC Psychotherapist, OSU STAR Program

This workshop explores how collaborations and connections can help foster a culture of community compassion. By understanding the transformative power of empathy and kindness, participants learn how to create supportive environments that lift individuals and strengthen community ties, increasing efficacy and decreasing burnout. The presenters promote a fuller understanding of compassion and its role in community building and equip participants with practical tools and strategies to cultivate compassionate connections in their daily lives. They highlight current collaborations of the OSU STAR Trauma Recovery Center, including field-immersion experiences with the Columbus Police Department to encourage participants to address community challenges through compassionate actions.

Talacia Coleman, Assistant Director, YWCA of Northwest Ohio
Rachael Gardner, Director of Victim Services, YWCA of Northwest Ohio
Elizabeth Robertson, Outreach Advocate, YWCA of Northwest Ohio
Iesha Watkins, Rape Crisis Advocate, YWCA of Northwest Ohio

Direct-service advocates and supervisors discuss how they navigate a helping profession when they themselves need support and services for health, mental-health, and/or trauma-related issues. The audience is invited to join the conversation on balancing flexibility with accountability, giving with receiving, and support from colleagues with needing professional support outside of work. The YWCA team facilitates this dialogue.

Kara Keating, Senior Assistant Attorney General, Ohio Attorney General’s Office
Erik Spitzer, Senior Assistant Attorney General, Ohio Attorney General’s Office
William Walton, Senior Assistant Attorney General, Ohio Attorney General's Office

Did you know the Ohio Revised Code doesn’t even define consent? Using humor as their coping mechanism and pulling from real-life examples, these Special Victims Prosecutors will discuss how media portrayals of consent and rape myths have impacted how jurors see consent. The session encourages participation from attendees, who will take away a much clearer understanding of the law versus the public’s perception or ideas of what the law might be.

Michael T. Curtis, Director of Cold Case Fellowship, Tiffin University

Tiffin University’s Cold Case Fellowship is spotlighted in this session, with an emphasis on the program’s approach to cold-case resolution, community engagement and victim advocacy. The presentation explores key themes in justice work, including successful multidisciplinary partnerships, the unique challenges of cold cases, and the value of families sharing their stories in impactful ways. Also addressed are advanced strategies and tools tailored to the needs of seasoned professionals in the fields of cold-case investigation and victim advocacy. The session aims to bridge academic innovation and practical solutions, fostering collaboration and advancing justice for all stakeholders.

Melissa Antry, Program Advocate, Family Advocacy Center
Connie Roe, Executive Director, Family Advocacy Center

The Grand Love program serves grandparents who are raising grandchildren. Many of these families have been victimized by Ohio’s challenges with the opioid epidemic and the mental-health crisis. The agency’s work exemplifies how advocates can help to stabilize such families to enhance the children’s chances for future success.

Celeste Prince, Director of Operations and Programming, Ohio Network of Children's Advocacy Centers
Kevin White, Programming and Outreach Coordinator,Ohio Network of Children's Advocacy Centers

Children's advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams play a vital role in fostering collaboration across disciplines to effectively address child-abuse cases. This presentation provides an overview of both, exploring their structure, purpose and proven effects on outcomes, based on key data. It also highlights the causes and effects of pervasive burnout among professionals in this field. Participants learn evidence-based strategies for multidisciplinary teams to enhance collaboration and mitigate burnout, along with practical tools for individual self-care to maintain resilience. The session is designed to empower professionals to strengthen their partnerships, sustain their well-being and continue delivering exceptional care to the children and families they serve.

Arianna Galliger, LISW-S, Stress, Trauma and Resilience Program at the Ohio State University
Dr. Rebekah Richards, MPH, Associate Professor, the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center – Department of Emergency Medicine

The needs of human trafficking survivors are often complex and not met in an emergency setting alone. In order to gain stability, a holistic approach is needed to include crisis intervention, material support and emergency shelter, case management, legal advocacy, and access to transportation, substance-abuse disorder treatment and many other things. The needs are complex, and this workshop will help to focus on those in an emergency basis, and also to help advocates on the front lines in those situations better care for themselves.

Kellie Portman, senior program training manager, National Organization for Victim Advocacy

Having worked for three decades with youth, adults and families in crisis, Kellie Portman recognizes the seasons of triumph and tragedy and the emotional challenges that they pose for families and those who care for them. Advocacy work can leave those in the trenches teetering on the edge of helplessness and hopelessness. This interactive presentation will take conference attendees on a journey of purpose, offering a hard look at what ignited their advocacy, what keeps the spark burning and, equally important, how to keep the spark from burning out.

Ashley Cremeans, Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children
Dr. Pratima R Shanbhag, Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children
Sarah Zawaly, Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children

Trauma-informed care is recognized as an effective approach to support healing for families and patients experiencing adversity. This interactive workshop will review how the Mayerson Center utilized that broader framework to implement an intervention that encourages patient and family empowerment. Attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of the role of a strength-based approach and protective factors in mitigating the impact of adversity. Expanding on these concepts, attendees will receive part of the Mayerson Center training, which includes the introductory skills to incorporate the recognition of strengths in their patients during a child advocacy center visit. This model allows us to answer the question "What happened to you?" The strength intervention allows us to ask and answer the question "What is strong in you?"

Erik Spitzer, Ohio Attorney General's Special Prosecutions Section
Kara Keating, Ohio Attorney General's Special Prosecutions Section
William Walton, Ohio Attorney General's Special Prosecutions Section

Ohio law delineates 13 conditions that, individually, constitute felony sexual battery, but many of these conditions differ from what people commonly understand to be sexual battery. This workshop will examine scenarios to help attendees identify whether a perpetrator is, indeed, a criminal or only a creeper. It also will explore tips and tricks for building rapport with law enforcement and survivors.

Alexandria Ruden, Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
Maria York (she/her), Ohio Domestic Violence Network

The workshop will provide an overview of state and federal legislative, statutory, rule and policy changes affecting domestic violence, stalking, dating violence, and sexual violence laws and services. Presenters also will discuss significant case law developments, statutory law, and relevant changes to Ohio's court and administrative rules. From this overview, participants will begin to recognize statutory trends that will impact those we serve.

Bridget Henebry, OSU STAR Trauma Recovery Center
Christy Walters, OSU STAR Trauma Recovery Center
Laura Marsh, Franklin County Prosecutor's Office, Victim Witness Unit

As victims work to navigate the legal process, advocates in both the court system and the community strive to meet the needs of survivors of crime and those impacted by homicide. The advocates’ combined expertise can prove exponentially beneficial to victims when they work together while maintaining a person-centered approach. This presentation explains the necessary and appropriate ways that court advocates and community advocates can work together to serve a shared victim. It also discusses what is gained therapeutically when a person-centered approach is used to support victims. The workshop seeks to better educate attendees about court procedures and give them a better understanding of how community-based advocacy or non-system-based advocacy can be complementary to court advocacy.

Erin Meyer, The Salvation Army
Jodi Stanton, Hamilton County Juvenile Court
Mary Braun, Cincinnati Police Department

As the number of youths identified as victims (and potential victims) of human trafficking increases, so does the importance of agency collaboration to better serve these youths. This workshop will discuss how three local agencies – the Hamilton County Juvenile Court, Cincinnati Police Department and Salvation Army (End Slavery Cincinnati) – work together on these cases. Attendees will learn how cases are identified, investigations are started, and services are initiated, all using a trauma-informed approach. The presentation also will review a case study that resulted in a federal indictment against the trafficker.

Teresa M. Stafford, Battered Women’s Shelter and Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties

As a child, Teresa Stafford was sexually abused by a family member and, by age 14, had entered the criminal justice system as a juvenile delinquent. For several decades, she experienced one traumatic event after another, enduring years of turmoil before recognizing how her past was affecting her future. In this workshop, she will explain how she turned her pain into purpose to create a life filled with healing, growth and advocacy.

Alexandria Ruden, The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland

This workshop will provide a primer on Ohio's seven types of protection orders, both civil and criminal, as well as no-contact orders. It will address relevant relationships, jurisdiction, procedures, remedies and nuances of each type of order, as well as the protection order forms involved. The workshop also will provide relevant case law as applied to the various Ohio statutory provisions and examine the similarities and differences inherent in the statutes.

Sandy Sullivan Bostic, Center for Family Safety and Healing
Shauna Hill, Center for Family Safety and Healing

Unmarried mothers in Ohio have sole legal custody of their children, regardless of the birth certificate listing the biological father. Notwithstanding this clear legal right, many abusers coerce their partners and ex-partners into believing that they, the abusers, have all the control when it comes to their children. The workshop examines unmarried mothers' legal rights in Ohio regarding visitation and custody with the biological father, especially when intimate partner violence (IPV) is or was present in the relationship. The presenters will discuss the role that IPV plays in those legal rights and court decisions in custody cases. Participants will learn best practices in the legal realm to support their unmarried mothers as the mothers navigate parenting with their abuser.

Shelby Lieber (she/her), Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence

This interactive workshop will look at the culture of advocacy and dive into the shocking truth that advocates are burning out quicker than ever. It will discuss the spoon method, a metaphorical framework in which the amount of energy that a person needs to complete daily activities is symbolized as spoons. The more spoons, the more energy a person has. Ultimately, the exercise will help workshop participants determine whether they have enough spoons at the end of the day. The workshop also will explore possible ways that advocates can disconnect when away from their work, and how to find more support within the field.

Sonia Ferencik, Ohio Domestic Violence Network

Transforming care for youths who have been exposed to domestic violence occurs when professionals serve them in a trauma-responsive way. This workshop will explore practical ways that advocates can deepen their knowledge of the mind-body connection to better ally with youths and help them with emotional regulation. It also will look at bias in serving younger survivors based on traditional child-rearing expectations and how advocates must shift approaches with children to help them find ways to manage their distress. The content will include a brief review of child development and trauma, as well as lower-brain-based, bottom-up activities used in therapy – practices that highlight how rhythm, playing, deep breathing, and movement flood the body with "rest and digest" hormones, calming the stress-response system. For advocates who work with parents victimized by an abusive partner, this session may provide ideas to help support parents in creating healing-centered approaches with their children when they experience distress.

Harrison Xu, Ohio Attorney General's Office
Mary Ann Young, Ohio Attorney General's Office
Mischa Hitchcock, Ohio Attorney General's Office

The workshop will provide an overview of the grant award acceptance documents and explain the grant application. Victim services providers will gain an in-depth understanding of programmatic and fiscal policies and procedures.

Elyse McConnell, Ohio Victim Witness Association
Rachel Ramirez, Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Wendy Ricks-Hoff, Ohio Victim Witness Association

The first of two interactive workshops on ethics in advocacy, this presentation will review the NOVA Code of Ethics, which governs the conduct of victim assistance providers. The workshop also will examine issues such as client rights; privacy; confidentiality; and relationships with colleagues, other professionals and the public. The presenters will provide interactive case examples and opportunities for discussion.

Leanne Graham, Victim Assistance Program, Summit Victim Assistance Program

Using the Biopsychosocial Model of Health & Wellbeing, this workshop will examine work-related stress and its effects on health. Participants will learn about our "wandering nerve," vagus, and how vagal tone affects health. Strategies aimed at mitigating stress are presented for each area of health.

Diane Medvec, Mentor Police Department Victim Assistance
Sheri Sweeney, Lake County Prosecutors Victim Assistance Program
Sandra Tenkku (she/her), Lake County ADAMHS Board
Emelia Boepple, Lake County Victim Assistance Program

Lake County and the city of Mentor endured a mass shooting in which three people were killed and a small retirement community was traumatized. Mentor's victim advocate and advocates from the Lake County Prosecutor's Office and Crossroads Mental Health agency collaborated to provide crisis intervention and assistance to all victims soon after the shooting. This workshop will discuss how each brought its own expertise to support the victims and community.

Crystal Ann Hall, Child and Family Advocates of Cuyahoga County

This workshop will take a deep dive into the crucial role that social media and technology play in shaping public perceptions and behaviors in relation to violent crimes and the spread of disinformation. Led by a seasoned digital marketing expert with firsthand experience in child advocacy in the judicial system, the presentation will emphasize the protection of vulnerable groups and the promotion of digital literacy. Through interactive discussions, real-world scenarios, and strategic planning activities, participants will emerge better equipped to address these modern challenges head-on.

Kat Hartswick, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center

Most people are aware of two or three trauma responses that survivors of sexual assault might experience – typically fight, flight or freeze. But there are actually five trauma responses: fight, flight, freeze, fawn and appease. This training will help advocates, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and others involved in investigating and prosecuting sexual assault cases to understand and recognize all five. It also will help investigators and prosecutors identify and break down barriers that arise due to these trauma responses. Professionals will be able to apply this knowledge to their cases to aid in removing bias and systemic barriers en route to successfully investigating and prosecuting sexual assault cases.

Dr. Cecilia Mengo, The Ohio State University
Shambika Raut, The Ohio State University
Yeliani Flores, The Ohio State University

This workshop stems from a community-based participatory research study that was conducted in two phases. Phase I involved a web-based survey distributed to informal and formal service providers who have served immigrant women of color (IWOC) experiencing intimate partner violence. Phase II included in-depth interviews with a nested sample of service providers. Half of the participants (50%) reported meeting the needs of IWOC experiencing intimate partner violence. In-depth interviews revealed the presence of systemic discrimination against IWOC survivors, which is a major barrier for accessing services. Other structural inequality barriers that were identified included language, immigration status, resource deficiency, and cultural misunderstandings about intimate partner violence. The combination of compassion fatigue and burnout also proved to be a major barrier to providing equitable services.

Elyse McConnell, Ohio Victim Witness Association
Rachel Ramirez, Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Wendy Ricks-Hoff, Ohio Victim Witness Association

This workshop will examine special ethical considerations, including boundaries, oppression and dual relationships. Presenters will review the Code of Ethics while providing interactive case examples and opportunities for discussion.

Cierra Davis, session moderator, Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center
Carmen Skipper, surviving victim of Robert Edwards
Regina Dawson, daughter of 1996 rape/murder victim of Robert Edwards
Mickey Casper, detective, Franklin County Sheriff's Office
Roger Davis, Ohio BCI special-agent-in-charge

Alicia Williamson (she/her), Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Denise Kontras (she/her), Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Leah Stone (she/her), Ohio Domestic Violence Network

Although safety planning typically associated focuses on safely ending an abusive relationship, not every person experiencing abuse is ready or able to leave. In the first part of this interactive workshop, participants will explore strategies to enhance safety and create choice for survivors who remain in contact or in a relationship with an abusive person. They will learn foundational skills for survivor-centered safety planning and apply this knowledge to various scenarios.

Emily Gemar (she/her), Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence
Maria York (she/her), Ohio Domestic Violence Network

Whether it means venturing out to the frontlines to offer services, working behind the scenes to create effective programs, or managing ever-growing organizations, the work of supporting survivors takes a lot of time, energy and effort. The work you do undoubtedly brings hope and relief to countless individuals seeking a reprieve from the harm they have endured. The same advice that you give to survivors applies to you: Your voice matters, and the world needs to hear it. This session will provide the guidance and support required to be an effective, persuasive and strategic advocate.

Dr. Adenike Gbadebo, Aultman Hospital
Julie Donant, Domestic Violence Project Inc.
Rachel Ramirez, Ohio Domestic Violence Network

Survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual violence and human trafficking face a high risk of brain injury due to high rates of strangulation and head and face injuries suffered from physical abuse. In addition to acute physical injuries, survivors suffer various chronic health complications. Many survivors do not seek medical attention for their injuries – and even when they do, their brain injury often goes unrecognized and untreated. Research indicates that one solution to this issue is screening for brain injuries, which not only helps identify such injuries but also can increase medical referrals for diagnosis and treatment. The workshop will discuss brain injury in the setting of intimate partner violence and provide a detailed look into a pilot project using brain-injury identification as a new standard of care for shelter-seeking clients. It also will discuss additional approaches to addressing brain injury within services, including the Ohio Domestic Violence Network’s evidence-based CARE (Connect, Acknowledge, Respond, Evaluate) approach.

Celeste Prince, Ohio Network of Children's Advocacy Centers
Danielle Vandegriff, Ohio Network of Children's Advocacy Centers
Jessika Holmes, Ohio Network of Children's Advocacy Centers

This presentation will explore the profound impact of children's advocacy centers (CACs) on child protection and healing. It will provide insights into the core functions of CACs, the crucial role played by the Ohio Network of Children's Advocacy Centers (ONCAC), and how ONCAC can bolster your efforts to protect and advocate for children. Participants will learn how various professions can strategically use CACs to meet agency needs and foster a collaborative and effective approach to child welfare.

Chrystal Pounds-Alexander, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
Jennifer Conkle, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction

Victim offender dialogue (VOD) programs are important to a survivor's healing as well as the incarcerated individual or supervisee who has agreed to participate. Because the assigned facilitators are critical to the success of each case, they are selected with great care. This workshop will discuss the selection, training and retention of the facilitators and examine the practices required to maintain an effective, adaptable program. It also will look at the many benefits of such programs.

Linda Majeska Powers, Ohio Attorney General's Office
Mary Kate Waggoner, Ohio Attorney General's Office

This training is designed for law enforcement personnel and victim advocates who partner with law enforcement. It will explore the complexities of child sex-trafficking cases and help workshop participants enhance the quality of their investigations and their interactions with victims.

Denise Kontras (she/her), Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Dawn Anderson-Thurmond (she/her), of YWCA Hamilton’s Domestic Violence Programming
Suad Mohamed, Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS)
Monica Walker, Ohio Attorney General
Jennifer Vazquez Lopez (she/her), Ohio Hispanic Coalition
Chris Miller (he/him), Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Greater Cleveland

In the second part of this workshop, a diverse panel of experts will expand on the unique barriers and needs of underserved populations when experiencing abuse. The lessons discussed will help advocates understand situations and develop plans for anyone they encounter.

Brianne Bergstrom, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Abigail Branco, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Youths who are affected by violence, abuse and trauma are more vulnerable to future harm, including physical abuse, teen dating violence, substance abuse and human trafficking. Every day, whether they realize it or not, advocates and other adults in various roles have contact with these youths. How can adults who interact with these young people increase their resiliency and decrease their vulnerability to future tragedies and trauma? This workshop will explore how professionals can work with youths in meaningful ways and improve outcomes for them and their families.

Sheila Nared, Trauma Recovery Center of Cincinnati
Janice Sowell, Trauma Recovery Center of Cincinnati
Mildred M. Patterson, Trauma Recovery Center of Cincinnati

This interactive session will include hands-on activities, demonstrations, and an opportunity to share experiences. Facilitators will discuss evidence-based practices that allow participants to meet clients where they are by acknowledging the reality of their situation. The workshop will focus on strategies that build relationships, identify root causes, and validate the needs of victims. Presenters will share simple, practical ways to implement trauma-informed care in all aspects of interaction with clients. Elements of the session will include meditations and healthy drumming to promote hope and healing.

Alexandria Ruden, The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
Ruth Downing, Forensic Nursing Network Inc.
Jane Bryan, Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Strangulation has been identified as one of the lethal forms of violence. This workshop will give an overview of the medical implications of strangulation, including relevant statistics and reasons why strangulation is so lethal. Presenters will discuss legal aspects, including Ohio’s new strangulation law and significant legal challenges. They also will talk about expert witness testimony, including qualifications, the rules of evidence and report writing. This training will focus on handling strangulation cases in the context of relevant case law. In addition, participants will learn about emerging best practices and new research.

Lauri Yersavich, OhioHealth Hospice Bereavement
Geneva Sanford, OhioHealth Hospice Bereavement
Sarah See, OhioHealth Hospice Bereavement

OhioHealth’s Trauma Recovery Center and OhioHealth Hospice’s Bereavement Program have formed a partnership to provide a specialized level of support for youths who are enduring the death of a loved one as a victim of crime. This session will highlight how this collaboration came to be and the process to navigate the workflow between programs. The remainder of the session will focus on the following: definitions and models of grief work with young children and teens; understanding the unique reactions and responses to traumatic loss; and supporting grieving youths through group and individual interventions that can be used in school, community or clinical settings.

Elyse McConnell, Ohio Victim Witness Association

Grant writing is an essential skill for any advocate in a leadership position tasked with obtaining funding for program services. This training will explore the grant-writing process, including finding grant opportunities; understanding specific guidelines for governmental, corporate, and private foundation grants; planning and producing financial documentation and budgets; and identifying other practical skills for securing financial support.

Sonia Ferencik, Ohio Domestic Violence Network

The impact of vicarious trauma or secondary traumatic stress is real for many who serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and human trafficking. Research in trauma and neuroscience indicates that trauma reactions can dysregulate a person’s internal state of balance, often keeping one in a stress response of fight, flight or freeze. Findings also show that mind-body practices can put the “brakes on the stress response,” thereby regulating and soothing the nervous system. This workshop is for those who want to explore and practice “being present” – with themselves and in a circle of peers. Participants will engage in 30 minutes of mindful meditation and breathing practices, 30 minutes of movements to release tension in the body, and 30 minutes of shared peer discussion intended to anchor your commitment to serving survivors while caring for yourself. Participants will receive a river-rock to record their anchoring word – a reminder to carry with you.

Ruth Bowdish, managing director of On Demand Healthcare, licensed chemical dependency counselor, author, and life coach

The invaluable work that advocates do can take a toll and leave them prone to feelings of disengagement, fatigue, burnout and overall mental distress. All too often what advocates experience at work carries over to their personal life or vice versa; they can’t escape the growing negativity surrounding them -- negativity that can influence how, or even if, they help others. This presentation by Ruth Bowdish will teach how to harness the power of shifting one’s perspective to increase the potential for happiness in many of our everyday behaviors, and how to help those we serve do the same. Ruth will take a unique look at the science of being happy and share her personal story of how positive psychology helped her to survive poverty, domestic violence and homelessness -- and subsequently enabled her to help change the lives of others.

Jeanette Pellot-Ayala, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office

Fight, flight or freeze are the three major trauma responses we are used to talking about and possibly recognizing when working with crime victims. However, there is a fourth trauma response that it is seldom acknowledged – fawning, an instinctual response that involves immediately trying to please a person to avoid conflict. This workshop explains the fawn response and how it manifests in victims and survivors.

Alma Diaz, Community Refugee and Immigration Services
Lara Downing, Community Refugee and Immigration Services

No family is prepared to deal with the aftermath of the murder of a loved one. In addition to unimaginable grief and trauma, every family faces a unique amalgam of challenges such as dealing with news media, unanswered questions, investigations, trials and confusing bureaucracy. The path forward may be further complicated by barriers such as language, discrimination, poverty and immigration status. This workshop explores the distinct role of community-based advocates who walk beside families through this process (with a particular focus on work with Hispanic and Latino families in central Ohio), discusses gaps in services, looks at research, and shares lessons and challenges.

Leo A. Fernandez, Ohio Department of Commerce
Janice Hitzeman, Ohio Department of Commerce
Allison Kretz, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio
Brian McDonough, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio

Presenters will explain the Ohio Investor Recovery Fund and discuss how advocates can help financial fraud victims use this resource. A case study highlights how federal and state agency partnerships provide victims greater opportunities to recover financially. The workshop also addresses other tools aimed at prevention and emotional recovery, and emphasizes the role that sharing stories plays in empowering fraud victims to report their victimization.

Michelle Hannan, The Salvation Army of Central Ohio
Rebekkah O’Bryan, Ohio Department of Public Safety

Hannan and O’Bryan, co-chairs of the Victim Service Committee of the Ohio Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Commission, will demonstrate why service standards and statewide collaboration are critical for providers of anti-trafficking services. Meeting the Ohio Service Standards can be viewed as a daunting task for providers, so this workshop provides practical tips intended to leave participants feeling confident and celebrated for the groundbreaking work that has informed Ohio’s standards of care. In addition, participants will explore the value of collaboration and the need for a statewide referral directory that increases service options for victims and ensures that the services offered meet statewide standards of care.

Abi Mello, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
Lauren Spector, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center

Schools often lack a survivor-centered, trauma-informed approach to the Title IX process due to their claims of neutrality for both respondent and complainant. This presentation provides suggestions for advocates and educators to create trauma-informed practices for survivors. Through an advocacy lens, attendees with gain knowledge necessary to uphold federal Title IX standards while creatively thinking outside the box to reduce harm in educational environments.

Jeannette M. Adkins, National Advocate Credentialing Program
Teri LaJeunesse, Greene County Prosecutor’s Office, Ohio Advocate Network

The Ohio Advocate Network (OAN) launched in 1994 as a statewide credentialing program for victim advocates and allied professionals in Ohio. OAN would later serve as the model for the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP), initiated in 2003 by NOVA. Both programs seek to publicly affirm victim advocacy as a profession, across multiple disciplines, and recognize the knowledge and specialized skills required to effectively support, assist and advocate for victims of crime. Advocacy credentialing promotes the delivery of quality, best-practice services and is based on established standards for direct-service experience, focused training and ethical conduct. In this two-part workshop, leaders in advocacy credentialing will discuss the benefits of an advocacy credential, as well as the policies, requirements and application procedures for both OAN and NACP. This first session will focus on the OAN process. (Workshop 13, 1:45 - 3:15 p.m., focuses on NACP.)

Andrea Denning, Ohio Department of Youth Services
Darrah Metz, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office K9 therapy program features select dogs and law-enforcement personnel that are trained to provide crime victims with relief from the mental, physical or psychological effects of trauma. Established in 2017 with Mattis, a Labrador Retriever that was the first law-enforcement therapy dog in Ohio and the sixth in the nation, the program continues to grow and collaborate. For example, the Department of Youth Services, which is part of the collaborative statewide agency trainings under the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, uses its Pup Patrol program for employee wellness. This workshop demonstrates the benefits to victims, witnesses and advocates when a therapy dog is involved.

April Wehrle, Ohio Attorney General’s Office
Katherine Yoder, Adult Advocacy Centers

In 2019, the rate of violent victimization against persons with disabilities was nearly four times greater than the rate for persons without disabilities, the U.S. Department of Justice reported. An alarming statistic from any perspective, it is perhaps additionally distressing for elderly Americans: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 41.6% of people in the U.S. who are older than 65 have been diagnosed with a disability. By exploring case scenarios, interventions and strategies for successful community partnerships, this workshop highlights how Adult Advocacy Centers -- a new model of services being implemented in Ohio -- can help advocates combat elder maltreatment.

Alexandria Ruden, Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
Maria York, Ohio Domestic Violence Network

The workshop provides an overview of state and federal legislative, rule and policy changes as well as significant case law developments relating to domestic violence, stalking, dating violence, and sexual violence. The presenters will also discuss changes to Ohio court and administrative rules. From this review, participants will assess trends in the law that will impact those they serve in whatever professional capacity.

Mae Bennett, Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland
Kayla Thomas, Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland

So often, family members and friends of a domestic violence survivor feel powerless to help their loved one. They turn to service professionals for guidance. Research suggests a positive correlation between safety of domestic violence survivors and the support they receive from family and friends. But understanding how to safely support is critical. This workshop answers the question of how others can help the primary survivor and offers interventions for the secondary survivor.

Kara Keating, Ohio Attorney General’s Office
Dan Meyer, Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office

This session introduces lawyers, counselors, social workers, prosecutors and advocates to prosecuting child sexual abuse offenses in Ohio. It includes a discussion of forensic interviews and medical examinations and current case law surrounding their admissibility. The presenters will discuss how to understand complex DNA reports and how the results impact prosecution. Participants will learn best practices for preparing and questioning child victims in court, as well as ways to continue prosecution without the child victim present.

Julia Figueroa-Gardner, Women Helping Women
Amy Flottemesch, Women Helping Women

This workshop focuses on cultural sensitivity related to working with immigrant and non-English-speaking survivors. The presentation covers myths, barriers, benefits and safety-focused outcomes. Both presenters are bilingual advocates, fluent in Spanish and English. They work daily with survivors, community partners and justice system agencies.

Jeannette M. Adkins, National Advocate Credentialing Program
Teri LaJeunesse, Greene County Prosecutor’s Office, OAN

The Ohio Advocate Network (OAN) launched in 1994 as a statewide credentialing program for victim advocates and allied professionals in Ohio. OAN would later serve as the model for the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP), initiated in 2003 by NOVA. Both programs seek to publicly affirm victim advocacy as a profession, across multiple disciplines, and recognize the knowledge and specialized skills required to effectively support, assist and advocate for victims of crime. Advocacy credentialing promotes the delivery of quality, best-practice services and is based on established standards for direct-service experience, focused training and ethical conduct. In this two-part workshop, leaders in advocacy credentialing will discuss the benefits of an advocacy credential, as well as the policies, requirements and application procedures for both OAN and NACP. This second session focuses on the NACP process. (Workshop 6, 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., focuses on OAN.)

Bernadette Rieger, Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Leah Stone, Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Alicia Williamson, Ohio Domestic Violence Network

Federal laws and funding organizations require strict and clear confidentiality requirements for victim services organizations, but state-mandated reporting laws and professional license requirements can create confusion for some advocates. In this workshop, attendees will better understand their roles in mandated reporting of child abuse and neglect allegations and learn best practices for responding to child abuse concerns. Presenters will cover confidentiality requirements set by federal law and funding groups, define the mandated reporter status according to the Ohio Revised Code, and provide practical strategies to respond to abuse and neglect allegations in ways that holistically meet the needs of survivors.

Alex Anastasia, BRAVO
Miranda James, BRAVO
Laura Niehaus, BRAVO

This workshop examines the ways that relationship violence, sexual violence, and hate/bias violence directly impact members of the LGBTQ+ community. The discussion will explore each type of violence, how such violence may manifest within communities and for specific individuals, and the consequences of violence faced by survivors. Most important, the presentation looks at the many barriers to accessing services for LGBTQ+ individuals who experience violence. It also reviews ways that care providers can better support LGBTQ+ survivors and work to dismantle some of these systemic obstacles. Participants will brainstorm ways that service providers can most effectively respond with cultural humility to LGBTQ+ survivor disclosures, and the best practices for supporting the needs of survivors from this population.

Jayvon Howard, Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence

The workshop discusses adult male victimization, childhood sexual abuse of boys, and how culture plays a role in how advocates work with men as survivors. Sexual violence and abuse can happen to anyone regardless of gender, and this work shows that everyone has the right to live in a society free from violence.

Sonia Ferencik, Senior Standing and the Ohio Domestic Violence Network

Workshop participants will learn the link between caring for themselves and promoting enhanced interactions of empathy and advocacy with survivors. When advocates embrace self-care practices, they often see benefits in their interactions with youth and adult survivors. This session examines the mind-body link of vicarious trauma and includes time for self-reflection and shared discussion. Participants will explore grounding practices, join in movement and breathing techniques, and create a self-care plan that can be used daily. Note: This workshop is limited to 50 participants.

Wendy Ricks Hoff, Ohio Victim Witness Association
Elyse McConnell, Ohio Victim Witness Association
Jane McKenzie, Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office (retired)
Marya Simmons, Shift in Notion Consulting
Crystal Turner, Survivor/Advocate

Building on its landmark 2021 study “Addressing the Needs of Homicide Co-Victims in Ohio,” the Ohio Victim Witness Association has developed the Homicide Co-Victim Best Practices Guide. In addition to an in-depth consideration of advocacy practices, the comprehensive guide discusses immediate crisis and trauma support, working with the news media, criminal justice considerations, navigating complex family dynamics, and special considerations for LGBTQ homicides, mass shootings and more. This workshop highlights practices from the guide through a trauma responsive lens, as provided by advocates with both lived experience and professional systems-based experience working with co-victims of homicide.

Erin Becker, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court
Tim Boehnlein, Cuyahoga County Witness Victim Service Center
Molly Kaplan, Journey Center for Safety and Healing

Conducting an evidence-based lethality assessment in domestic violence cases to identify those at the highest risk for fatal or near fatal outcomes is a tactic that has been identified as a best practice across the country. This workshop provides a brief review of risk factors associated with domestic violence homicides and describes the role law enforcement plays in gathering on-scene risk information. This workshop will also provide multiple strategies for all system partners on how to incorporate risk information into decision making for high-risk cases. Additionally, the workshop discusses how risk information is used in Cuyahoga County’s High-Risk Domestic Violence Court and examines the roles of the specially-trained, multidisciplinary team members who support it. Participants will learn practical steps they can take immediately to manage high-risk domestic violence cases.

Dr. Julianna Nemeth, Ohio State University
Rachel Ramirez, Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Cheryl Stahl, Ohio Domestic Violence Network

This workshop examines how substance use, mental health, brain injury and domestic violence intersect. Participants will be equipped with practical tools, strategies and approaches to assess and address these issues in survivors and have an opportunity to discuss challenges and opportunities to make services more accessible. The presenters will discuss the research partnership between the Ohio Domestic Violence Network and Ohio State University that led to the development of a first-of-its-kind evidence-based health intervention called CARE, short for Connect, Acknowledge, Respond, Evaluate. Presenters will also discuss resources that advocates can use to implement CARE, including materials to address brain injury and substance use. This trauma-informed training will focus on application of CARE with survivors from diverse backgrounds, and will look at the impact of historical trauma and implicit and explicit bias within systems where survivors seek help.

Nicole Kass Colvin, Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence
Dr. H. Louise Davis, Miami University

Telling their stories can give survivors a sense of healing and empowerment while at the same time raise awareness and promote social change. But victim advocates -- concerned about survivors’ safety -- are sometimes reluctant to have them relay their trauma. This workshop focuses on the value of providing space for survivors to share their stories and explains best practices so neither they nor their audience is traumatized.

Tony Porter, author, educator and CEO of A Call to Men, a national nonprofit that promotes healthy, respectful manhood in order to prevent gender-based violence and discrimination and to advance a culture of equity and inclusivity.

With 20-plus years of experience in the preventing violence against women movement, Tony Porter talks about how men are socialized to define what it means to be a man and some of the implications impacting race, gender, and gender identity. He calls on men to step outside the Man Box and the traditional gender roles that society has assigned to them. His teachings offer a unique perspective on men's responsibility to prevent gender-based violence. Along with discussing violence prevention, he will help us start our never-ending allyship journey and foster a sense of community for future advocacy.

Rosa Beltré, (She, Her, Ella), Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence
Jayvon Howard, (He, Him), Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence
Tony Porter, (He, Him), A Call to Men

Continuing from his morning keynote address, Tony Porter will engage a smaller group in critical discussions centering on how to be intentional in the movement of healthy masculinity and how to change the dynamics that so often lead to domestic and sexual violence against women. This will be a deeper dive into the narrow gender role that society assigns to men and, through discussion and a Q&A, the workshop will help build allyship to end violence and to focus on how the notion of masculinity intersects with our lives. This workshop is open to all genders.

Elyse McConnell, Ohio Victim Witness Association
Rachel Ramirez, Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Wendy Ricks-Hoff, Ohio Victim Witness Association

The first in a series of two interactive workshops on ethics in advocacy, this presentation discusses the NOVA Code of Ethics, which governs the conduct of victim assistance providers. The workshop examines issues such as client rights, privacy, confidentiality, reporting responsibilities, and relationships with colleagues, other professionals and the public. The presenters will review the Code of Ethics while providing interactive case examples and opportunities for discussion. (Workshop 30, 2 - 3:30 p.m., takes a closer look at special ethical considerations.)

Dr. Shantha Balswamy, Ohio State University
Stephanie Corcoran, Legal Aid Society of Columbus
Amy Harcar, Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services
Stuart Y. Itani, Legal Aid Society of Columbus

Immigrant and limited English proficient (LEP) victims seeking safety and stability often need a variety of support: trusted community or family members, culturally sensitive and informed advocates, and accessible legal counsel. To create the best pathways to safety, these resources often need to be coordinated and need to work collaboratively. This training brings together perspectives of civil legal aid attorneys and culturally informed advocates to review issues, challenges and strategies when working collaboratively to empower immigrant survivors, improve their outcomes, and support the community.

Latina Bailey, Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center
Chloe Greenawalt, Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center
Catherine Harper Lee, Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center
Elizabeth Well, Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center

In November 2017, Ohio voters overwhelmingly passed Marsy’s Law, a constitutional amendment for crime victims. In the five years since the law went into effect, in February 2018, House Bill 343 was drafted to implement the amendment, and numerous cases have been decided interpreting its provisions. This workshop will examine legislative updates and case law concerning Marsy’s Law and what these changes mean for Ohio’s crime victims.

Brenda Glass, Brenda Glass Trauma Recovery Center
Stephen Massey, CitiLookout Trauma Recovery Center
Geneva Sanford, OhioHealth Trauma Recovery Center
Megen Simpson, MetroHealth Trauma Recovery Center
Candace S. Williams, Alliance for Safety and Justice

The Alliance for Safety and Justice’s July 2022 report “Scaling Safety: A Roadmap To Close America's Safety Gaps,” identifies how Trauma Recovery Centers (TRC) meet the needs of a diverse community of crime survivors. This workshop explains the TRC model, which combines assertive outreach, trauma-informed mental health services, and help with practical needs that support stability after victimization. Participants also will learn how Trauma Recovery Centers provide coordination and partnership across numerous, complex systems and multidisciplinary teams in a culturally responsive framework that helps break cycles of violence, removes barriers to care, and addresses trauma so people and communities can heal.

Emily Kulow, Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Leah Stone, Ohio Domestic Violence Network

Although there is a well-established link between mental illness and trauma, stigma and misinformation about mental health often create barriers for crime victims seeking services. Through lecture, group discussion and hands-on activities, this workshop explores the impacts of ableism -- the discrimination or prejudice against people who have disabilities. Participants will be able to define meaningful access and identify best-practices for serving survivors with mental illness. Advocates, law enforcement representatives and those working in the legal system are encouraged to attend this workshop.

Kristen Arapp, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
Jennifer Conkle, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
Thomas King, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
Tracy Tyson-Parker, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction

This workshop, centered on the vision and mission of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections’ Office of Victim Services (OVS), discusses the services provided to crime victims through several different types of post-conviction hearings. The presentation also provides information about OVS victim-centered programming and how the programs serve to help victims while also assisting offenders with their rehabilitative efforts.

Cindy Kuhr, Ohio Attorney General’s Office/BCI

Join this workshop for a little R&R. Rewire for Resilience will help you identify how your work can impact your well-being, in ways both good and the bad. There are so many rewards to this work, and many ways to get the self-care that is needed. Participants will learn about new tools to assist them while working in this field, and walk away feeling empowered and purposeful.

Elyse McConnell, Ohio Victim Witness Association
Wendy Ricks-Hoff, Ohio Victim Witness Association
Rachel Ramirez, Ohio Domestic Violence Network

This workshop is the second in a series of two interactive workshops on ethics in advocacy. The second session examines special ethical considerations including boundaries, oppression, accessibility, social media and technology. Presenters will review the Code of Ethics while providing interactive case examples and opportunities for discussion. (Workshop 23, 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., examines the NOVA Code of Ethics.)

Sonia D. Ferencik, Ohio Domestic Violence Network

In this workshop, leaders and supervisors will explore the Ohio Heals Vicarious Trauma Organizational Toolkit, created to help agencies support a culture of healing and balance. Vicarious trauma can be part of a helper’s experience in working with youth and adult victims of assault and harm, the effects showing themselves in staff turnover, excessive sick days and a sense of being overwhelmed.This workshop explores a series of 12 guided discussion modules, resources and activities designed to promote fulfillment in one’s professional calling, foster a supportive organizational community, and offer tools for preventing and mitigating vicarious trauma.

Nicole Kass Colvin, Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence
Sarah Ferrato, Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence

This highly interactive workshop explores what we think we know about sexual violence perpetration versus the actual dynamics of sexual violence. Participants will explore how monster stories shape our understanding of sexual violence, and learn more about survivor-centered advocacy and how to begin building community strategy plans. The workshop will provide participants with resources and ongoing opportunities to continue learning about expanding options for survivor justice.

Sara Ghiloni, Stress, Trauma, and Resilience Trauma Recovery Center (STAR TRC), Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Bridget Henebry, STAR TRC
Christy Walters, STAR TRC

When working with survivors of crime and those impacted by homicide, essential concepts of empathy, empowerment and advocacy must be applied across systems for effective and authentic healing. This workshop will discuss the Trauma Recovery Center (TRC) model of care, and the role of an advocate embedded within the therapeutic milieu of a TRC. Through the lens of a case study, we will discuss the value of advocacy work for clients and clinicians. The workshop examines what it means to use a person-centered approach to advocacy by highlighting the supportive elements, the education elements, and the power of agency and choice when engaging in systems.

Sylvia Pla-Raith, Ohio Attorney General’s Office
Heidi Turner-Stone, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services

The National Council on Aging estimates that 5 million older adults are abused each year. However, one study estimated that only one in 14 cases of abuse are reported to authorities. Making a report in instances of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation is the right thing to do, and creates the opportunity to eradicate and correct the bad behavior. To live up to our ideal of justice for all, we need to work to address the social issue of elder abuse and exploitation. This workshop reviews Ohio’s adult protection laws and limitations, and shares case scenarios, interventions and strategies for successful community partnerships to combat elder abuse and exploitation.

Sarah Shendy, Ohio Department of Public Safety

The Middle Eastern culture is growing in the United States and has a presence in each of our communities. Gaining knowledge and awareness about the people we serve and work with and practicing mutual respect helps to increase advocate legitimacy and develop positive relationships. The session addresses common myths and misconceptions associated with Middle Eastern culture. Topics include the Muslim religion, culture, barriers to communication, interview and interrogation techniques, effective advocacy, recruitment, negotiating with difficult personalities, and implicit and explicit bias.