In an effort to help colleges and universities better respond to sexual assaults, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office recently dedicated $3 million in grants to improve advocacy programs, and conducted a series of investigation training sessions.
“Sexual assault happens far too often in this country. We know it happens in Ohio, and we know that it happens on college campuses,” DeWine said. “Streamlining investigations and prosecutions and improving victim services are crucial to addressing campus sexual assaults.”
Six Campus Sexual Assault Investigation Training sessions took place during the summer to update law enforcement and others about laws, victim advocacy, forensic exams, evidence collection and constitutional issues.
Experts from the Attorney General’s Office, HelpLine, the Ohio Department of Education, the Columbus Division of Police and the University of Toledo Medical Center revisited the topic at the Law Enforcement Conference.
The Attorney General’s Office has also prepared resources for schools.
To read recommendations for crafting a memorandum of understanding to establish protocols for responding to reports of campus sexual assaults, visit
www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/MOU.