Ohio boosts funding to combat sexual violence in state.
Ohio Lawmakers Increase Funding for Crisis Rape Centers
Ohio lawmakers have made a significant commitment to addressing sexual violence by adding a record-breaking $30 million for crisis rape centers in the state budget for 2024 and 2025. This historic decision, officially enacted on Wednesday, demonstrates a bipartisan recognition of the importance of supporting survivors.
“Sexual violence is a bipartisan issue,”
said Rosa Beltre, CEO of the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence.
“[N]o one is exempt, and we are grateful our lawmakers understood that.”
The budget, signed by Governor Mike DeWine (R), allocates $15 million annually to centers across all 88 counties in Ohio. These centers provide crucial survivor services, including physical and mental support and treatment.
In 2020, government funding for sexual and domestic violence advocacy groups in Ohio was significantly reduced. The state’s share of federal Victims of Crime Act money was decreased by over $20 million, which accounted for nearly 40% of the revenue for local community operations.
Ohio has historically contributed less funding to special victims’ advocacy organizations compared to other states. However, this new budget allocation represents a remarkable 105% increase from the estimated $7.3 million spent in 2023.
The issue of sexual violence in Ohio has gained attention in recent years, particularly due to high-profile cases like that of a 10-year-old girl who was taken across state lines to obtain an abortion in Indiana.
In 2021, Ohio’s Children Advocacy Centers reported handling 8,890 cases of abuse of minors, with 76% of them involving instances of sexual abuse. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Health reported that 52 girls under the age of 15 sought abortions in 2020, which is often seen as an indicator of child sexual abuse.
Ohio’s overall sexual assault rate is also higher than the national average. According to the FBI Unified Crime Report for 2019, Ohio had an estimated rate of 50.1 forcible rapes per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 43.6 per 100,000.
Advocates Praise Increased State Funding
Emily Gemar, Director of Public Policy at OAESV, has been at the forefront of advocating for increased state funding. She acknowledges the vital role that local programs and advocates play in supporting survivors in their communities.
“Their advocacy helps to keep our communities safe, but they can’t do it all — especially without the funding to keep centers staffed to meet the rising need. These funds will assist our programs in maintaining essential services at a time when people need it most.”
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