ProgressOhio

The Ohio Domestic Violence Network released a study today indicating that demand for services is up while funding for shelters and other crisis programs is being cut in Ohio.

 “Ohio already ranks near the bottom nationally in support for victims of family violence,’’ said ODVN Executive Director Nancy Neylon.  “At a time when demand for services is up, domestic violence programs are forced to cut back or turn people away, resulting in more victims returning to abusers because they feel as if they have no other choice.’’

Key figures in ODVN's survey of 81 shelters and non-residential providers of domestic violence services:

• 82 per cent of respondents saw an increase in demand for services over a two-year period and nearly half of them said more families are seeking shelter;
• More than half said the number of survivors returning to their abusers for economic reasons is on the rise;
• 79 per cent saw an increase in the number of days families remain in shelters;
• 70 per cent reported a decrease in funding, including cuts in mental health levies and decreased support from foundations and the United Way.

  “If we don’t increase funding to provide services for victims, then we will see more injuries,  more police calls and higher court costs,’’ said Linda Johanek, Executive Director of Cleveland’s Domestic Violence Center. “In essence, we are opting to pay more on the back end rather than invest in prevention and other services that will decrease violence and the costs associated with it.’’

Neylon said it is important to understand the link between the economic downturn and domestic violence. “Domestic violence is about power and control, so poverty does not cause violence,’’ Neylon explained. “But a lack of economic resources can serve as a huge barrier to escaping a violent partner. When it is harder to leave, the violence often escalates. When it is harder to access resources, the risk of having to return to the abuser goes up.’’

Charlene Ventura, President and CEO of the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati, said the combination of deep funding cuts and rising demand comes at a time when the economy is making it increasingly difficult for survivors to escape.

“The lack of affordable housing and employment opportunities creates additional hardships for survivors as they work to transition out of protective shelter to live independently and free from violence,” Ventura said.

 “Given the severity of Ohio’s budget problems, ODVN thought it impossible to seek additional state funding at this time,’’ Neylon said. “But we are asking lawmakers to help us save lives and save money by passing bills to prevent violence and protect victims.’’

One bill, House Bill 10, would give juvenile court judges the power to better protect teens in violent relationships by allowing juvenile judges to issue civil protection orders.

House Bill 19 would require schools to teach dating-abuse prevention in health classes.

Legislation to create civil protection orders for minors and to add dating abuse prevention education were inspired by teens who were murdered by former boyfriends. Both are also supported by Johanna Orozco, a Cleveland woman, who was nearly killed two years ago after her ex-boyfriend stalked her and shot her in the face with a shotgun.

Orozco, now 20, championed an identical civil protection order bill in the last legislative session. Although the measure passed the Ohio House of Representatives, it was stopped in the Republican-controlled Ohio Senate.

Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray has championed both HB 10 and HB 19.

Additionally, House Bill 167 seeks new protections for victims of domestic violence in housing and employment – two key resources victims often need to end abusive relationships.

To donate to organizations advocating for survivors of domestic violence:

http://www.actionohio.org/how_help.htm

http://www.odvn.org/

Full list of domestic violence shelters in Ohio – all can use your help:

http://www.actionohio.org/dvshelter.htm

Granville, Ohio
Denison University, Swasey Chapel  

Karl Rove spoke to a subdued, mixed crowd numbering, 2-300. Sponsored by the Campus Republicans and a group called Young Life (America?).

I did see a vanity plate in  the parking garage from New Jersey with that on it, as in YGLFAM or the like.

In a liberal  arts college, the house was very civilized. The only outbreak was when a young fellow who had several male family military members involved in several wars asked Karl why we fight for human rights and then deny them for prisoners of war.

Karl spoke on the economy, and about his mistakes in the White House (should have gone for immigration stuff first then the Social Security), with the smirk of Cheney across his lips and nukular (sic) on the tongue. It was apparent he spent a lot of time with these guys. As to the specific content of his speech, it was main stream right, though not very condescending as one might presume. There were applauses from the right on their catch phrases.

He laid the economic collapse in the lap of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac even though McCain's campaign manager once got paid to deregulate Fannie and Freddie.

One of the questioners from Change For Ohio, asked Karl about the "martial law" threat on two republican members of congress, one of whom being Imhoff, for not following the party line, but was poo pooed by Rove and denied after the petitioner claimed to have video proof.

The arguments continued from Rove, as from the right, that our national debt has not been as high as it was since WW2.

(Well personally, I would think that economic excursion got us through many years of middle class progress.)

Of course he railed the high debt and all the consequences, but such forethought was not used before invading Iraq.

He did bring up the election theft of Ohio subject and added, "What did they think I had? I did not have some magic little black box."

Well Karl maybe you didn't but perhaps Mike Connell did.

From Gongwer News Ohio (Sub. req.)

PROSECUTORS SUGGEST REPEALING MANDATORY DRUG SENTENCES, EXPANDING TREATMENT FOR REPEAT OFFENDERS

Opposed to Gov. Ted Strickland's plan to alter criminal sentencing laws to save money in the prison budget, Ohio's prosecutors have come up with a surprising alternative plan.

The Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association has suggested that the state repeal mandatory drug sentences for all but the most serious offenders and reconsider harsh penalties for certain repeat offenders.

OPAA Executive Director John Murphy acknowledged in an interview that prosecutors generally supported mandatory drug sentencing when the laws were enacted several years ago.

"Things change over the years," he said.

"We still support it for major drug offenders, but it's just an evolving view of what ought to be mandatory penalties and what shouldn't be," he said. "We're not saying it shouldn't be a crime - that the guy shouldn't be sentenced in certain cases. But we're changing our view on whether it ought to be a mandatory penalty."

In a recent memo to members of the House Finance & Appropriations Transportation & Justice Subcommittee, Mr. Murphy suggests repealing mandatory prison terms for possession, trafficking, and illegal manufacture of drugs, possession of chemicals for manufacturing drugs, and other charges.

Mr. Murphy further suggested policymakers review all fifth-degree felonies to determine whether they should be reduced to misdemeanors. And stricter penalties for prior convictions for crimes other than drunken driving and aggravated vehicular homicide should be "re-examined."

The proposals are part of a package of suggestions he offered as alternatives to the Strickland administration's plan to reduce prison overcrowding by expanding the "earned credit" program. Prosecutors vehemently oppose the provision in the budget (HB 1) to increase from one to seven days per month the time by which inmates could reduce their sentences for participating in programs like drug treatment and education. 

Department of Rehabilitation & Correction Director Terry Collins said Thursday that the agency would review the prosecutors' suggestions to determine how they would impact the state's rising prison costs.

"We certainly appreciate the fact that the prosecutors are willing to have an open and frank conversation about some changes that could help stabilize the prison population," he said in an interview. "They've always said that they understand our situation and want to help and it appears these things would be good options to try and help."

Hooray for Whitehall Councilwoman Jacquelyn Thompson for having the guts to tackle the insidious problem of domestic violence head on. During a City Council meeting, she asked three times for the resignation of a councilman charged with domestic violence and assault.

Despite being labeled a "distraction" for addressing three recent murders in the Whitehall community, Thompson "is pushing the city to hire an advocate for domestic violence victims, increase public awareness and keep guns away from those who commit domestic violence. She suggested that they be registered like sex offenders, so neighbors and family can know."

In an average U.S. day, three women are killed and 600 women are sexually assaulted or raped in domestic violence incidents....No, "domestic violence" is too nice of a phrase. Let's call it what it is: murder and criminal violence.

If we don't loudly publicize the criminal violence records of professional athletes, entertainers and political leaders -- especially those who are role models for young people -- we can expect more of the same disgusting violence.

I say let's stop focusing on the victimhood of celebrities like Rihanna, and nail the asses of perpetrators of violence against women and children. (Some men suffer from domestic violence as well, but women are 10 times more likely to be assaulted by an intimate partner.)

We must be proactive like Councilwoman Thompson and clear these pimples from the face of morality.