2023 Two Days in May Conference on Victim Assistance

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.