Ohio Domestic Violence Network

The Knox County Fatherhood Commission proudly hosted its first Father’s Day Fishing Event Yesterday.

Thanks to the incredible support of the Knox Community, 100 children went home with a free fishing pole, & the skills to catch fish for a lifetime ! 🎣

This Father's Day, we honor fathers building safe, healthy homes. Men can be survivors too, and breaking cycles of violence starts with modeling healthy relationships for the next generation. Need support? Find a local domestic violence program at this link: https://www.odvn.org/find-help/

June 19 is Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is a day to honor Black history, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of freedom and justice.

At ODVN, our work to end domestic violence is rooted in anti-oppression. We recognize that liberation from all forms of violence requires confronting the systemic inequities that continue to impact Black communities.

ODVN offices will be closed on Friday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, June 22. If you or someone you know needs help, click this link to find a local domestic violence program in Ohio: https://www.odvn.org/find-help/

June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month. Men can be survivors of domestic violence, and too often face stigma that keeps them from seeking help. At the same time, supporting men's healing, emotional well-being, and ability to build healthy relationships is a critical part of violence prevention.

If you or someone you know needs support, click this link to find a local domestic violence program: https://www.odvn.org/find-help/

A huge thank you to The Center for New Beginnings for hosting a divorce clinic in Licking County for domestic violence survivors.

We are grateful for the collaboration of Victim Advocate, Taylor Anbrisano, and ODVN Panel Atrorneys Brandy Wyatt and Kelsi Robinson. Their teamwork helped ensure survivors had access to support and legal guidance. Their partnership demonstrates the power of advocates and attorneys working together.

June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. Many survivors of domestic violence experience PTSD -- the hypervigilance, the flashbacks, the difficulty feeling safe even after leaving an abusive situation. Trauma doesn't end when the abuse does, and healing takes time.

ODVN's Just Breathe: A Guide to Wellness was created with input from survivors across Ohio and offers grounding exercises, coping strategies, and practical tools for navigating hard moments.
➡️Click this link to download it for free:https://www.odvn.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/JustBreathe_finalnocrops.pdf

Missed ODVN's June Legislative Newsletter? Here's what's happening in Ohio domestic violence policy:
➡️ ODVN joined our local, state, and national partner for federal Advocacy Days to amplify the voices of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors on Capitol Hill,
➡️ A bill to end child marriage passed unanimously out of the Senate Judiciary Committee,
➡️ The Ohio Supreme Court ruled that individuals convicted of felony domestic violence can petition to have their state gun rights restored,
➡️ And more!

🔗 Click this link to read the full newsletter: https://tr.ee/WXUA_rhP-c
🔗 Want these updates in your email inbox? Click this link to sign up for ODVN's policy newsletter: https://tr.ee/policysignup

Today, SB 341, a bill to raise the age of marriage in Ohio to the age of 18, passed unanimously out of the Senate Judiciary Committee!

We know that marriages that begin when one spouse is a child have an elevated risk for physical, sexual, emotional, and financial violence across the duration of their relationship. When the legislature returns in the fall, the bill will need to be voted on by the full Senate and then it will start its process in the House.

➡️Click this link to watch the supporter testimonies and committee vote from today: https://tr.ee/yhXRrEoSN9

OHMAN was proud to partner with Columbus Office of Violence Prevention yesterday at the “All That” Mentoring Program, where we shared healthy relationship materials with about 80 youth.

Healthy relationships start with education, conversation, and community. We’re honored to be part of helping young people recognize what respect, safety, and care can look like.