Advocates say victims of rape by a spouse can now seek justice - under a new law closing a loophole that did not punish rape and sexual battery cases, when the victim is married to the alleged perpetrator. House Bill 161, signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine, is a groundbreaking moment for Ohio - said Emily Gemar, director of public policy with the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence. .
The Me Too movement prompted sexual abuse victims to come forward with their allegations of rape and harassment. Yet, the increase in these occurrences both nationally and statewide show repeated incidents. Sexual violence is a nonconsensual act, either through physical or verbal behavior. .
As federal Victims of Crime Act funding continues to impact Kentucky s domestic violence shelters, advocates say they are applauding lawmakers decisions to include $6 million of the state budget s general fund for shelter and program operations, alongside a one-time allocation of $7.1 million to offset the impact of VOCA cuts. ZeroV s CEO Angela Yannelli said the funding will ensure life-saving programs for people in crisis continue to serve those who rely on them - and who often have no where else to turn. "We are extremely grateful to the General Assembly for listening to us," said Yannelli. " .
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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Ohio is expanding its qualified rape crisis centers serving rural areas in the central and southeastern regions of the state. Taylr Ucker-Lauderman, chief engagement officer with the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, explained that qualified centers have to meet certain criteria, and typically provide crisis intervention, legal and medical assistance, counseling and referrals to other local resources. She said collaboration among centers to assist sexual abuse survivors and educate the public about violence prevention is critical. .