Caucuses and Task Forces
Addressing the ways in which domestic violence impacts different communities and groups of people.
One of the ways in which the Ohio Domestic Violence Network supports local member programs is through sponsoring task forces and caucuses that address the ways in which domestic violence impacts different communities and groups of people. Caucuses and task forces are made up of professionals, service providers, advocates, and community members who are interested in issues related to specific underserved populations. ODVN facilitates the Women of Color, Legal Advocacy Caucus, and Child Advocacy Caucus, as well as co-chairs the LGBTQIA+ Task Force of Ohio. Individuals working in the domestic violence movement have the opportunity to meet and discuss ways in which domestic violence impacts underserved and marginalized populations. If you are interested in learning more about or becoming involved with any of our caucuses or task forces please call our office at 614-781-9651.
Legal Advocacy Caucus
The Ohio Domestic Violence Network’s four Legal Advocacy Caucuses are the primary vehicle through which legal advocates from ODVN membership programs work together on a state-wide level. These caucuses provide a forum to develop goals and model policies to govern our work and to refine our understanding of the role of justice system advocacy. These caucuses will also provide training and technical assistance to their members and regularly includes court personnel, attorneys, and other experts in the work. All four of ODVN’s Legal Advocacy Caucuses are committed to developing the leadership skills of legal advocates.
History
The Ohio Domestic Violence Network’s Legal Advocacy Caucuses were established primarily for legal advocates to obtain training on issues regarding domestic violence and stalking, to discuss criminal and civil court advocacy issues, to obtain public policy updates that affect the laws in their counties or the entire state of Ohio, and to provide a networking platform as well.
The Process
Currently, there are four legal advocacy caucuses that represent Ohio regions: Northeast, Northwest, Southwest Central, and Southeast. The Ohio Domestic Violence Network continues to have bi-monthly or quarterly meetings for each of the caucuses. The leadership of the caucuses is shared by ODVN staff and the justice system advocates from membership programs. The caucuses make a concerted effort at sharing leadership between old and new advocates. These caucuses are always seeking to be consistently accountable to battered women. All caucuses are attentive both to process and product in an attempt to be inclusive, empowering, and diverse. In the work that justice systems advocates do, we ask that they consistently assess whether the legal and social systems are providing effective remedies for battered women and seek to change those systems which are not. This process of evaluation always looks at the work we have done with a critical eye whether we are enhancing law, public policy, procedure, or practice.
Caucus Membership Eligibility
Caucus membership is open to all domestic violence program legal advocates or other staff, volunteers, steering committee members, or allied professionals with an interest in affecting social change through justice system advocacy.
Goals and Objectives
- To educate the ODVN membership on laws and legal practices in the field of domestic violence
- To facilitate and monitor the implementation of domestic violence laws at local, state, and federal levels
- To respond to the needs of justice system advocacy concerns raised by domestic violence programs
- To respond to the needs of legal advocates for direction, support, and training information
- To assure that legal advocates in Ohio are skilled and knowledgeable in their work
- To build a network of skilled, informed legal advocates working collaboratively to assure excellence in injustice system advocacy throughout the state
Legal Caucus Dates 2025
- March 28—Justice in the Courtroom: Assisting Self-Represented Survivors Prepare for Court
- May 30—Empowering Survivors: A Pathway to Professional Licensure Reinstatement
- July 25—Navigating Marsy’s Law: Legal Protections for Survivors and the Advocate’s Role
- September 26—Topic To Be Announced
- November 14—Bridging the Gap: Effective Partnerships Between Advocates and Guardian ad Litems
LGBTQIA+ Task Force of Ohio
The Ohio Domestic Violence Network had other task forces to address domestic violence within underserved or marginalized communities and realized that there was no intentionally focused response to address domestic violence within the LGBTQIA+ communities. In the spring of 2010, ODVN and the Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization (BRAVO) partnered to convene the LGBTQIA+ Task Force made up of community members, allies, and DV advocates to decrease the barriers for LGBTQIA+ survivors who are seeking services to address the violence in their lives.
Goals and Objectives
- To provide information about domestic violence and sexual assault in LGBTQIA+ communities
- To provide training to mainstream service providers and advocates about domestic violence and sexual assault in LGBTQIA+ communities
- To increase the capacity of advocates and service providers to provide effective service to LGBTQIA+ survivors
- To facilitate the networking process between task force members and appropriate agencies to form collaborative efforts to effectively serve LGBTQIA+ survivors
The LGBTQIA+ brings together domestic violence and sexual assault advocates, community agencies, community members, and their allies to network and develop resources, and best practices addressing domestic violence and sexual assault in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and questioning communities. This task force will have a listserv established to assist with resource sharing and networking. Please contact Cheryl Stahl or Rodney Nussbaum for information about meetings or to join this task force.
Pride 2023
Click on each link to view events happening in your area during the month of June.
Central • Northeast • Northwest • Southeast • Southwest
Co-Chair Contacts
BRAVO – Miranda James (mirandajames@equitashealth.com)
ODVN – Cheryl Stahl (cheryls@odvn.org) & Rodney Nussbaum (rodneyn@odvn.org)
OAESV – Sarah Ferrato (sferrato@oaesv.org) & Jayvon Howard (jhoward@oaesv.org)
To be added to the listserv, please contact Rodney (rodneyn@odvn.org).
Women of Color Caucus
Our Mission
The Ohio WOCC is a group of diverse women concerned about violence against women of color. We are committed to developing leadership in women, community education, and efforts that will influence policy and systems to more effectively respond to improving the lives of all women.
Our Vision
The Ohio WOCC shall be known as a ‘truly diverse’ women of color caucus made of many cultures and ethnic groups (We define women of color broadly to include any women that live as a member of an oppressed group based on race, culture, and/or ethnicity on a daily basis.) We are recognized as a national best practice model for caucusing based on our ability to be a powerful group involved in the community with a clear voice that influences and changes policy.
Our Values
Ethical Communication
Mutual Respect
Safe spaces for women of color
Community trust
Support and Problem-Solving
Appreciation for the Whole Person
Benefits of WOCC Membership
Becoming a member of the WOCC offers you the opportunity to socialize, enjoy peer support, and receive professional development information in a safe and supportive environment.
We value our members as our greatest asset and promote the personal and professional well-being of each individual. We believe that the WOCC has the potential to become an integral part of the lives of all our members.
The WOCC is committed to the professional advancement of our members and through our statewide listserv.
Members have access to Networking Opportunities & Social Events, Ongoing Support from other Women of Color, Updates on Conferences and Trainings, Employment Opportunities, Skill Building, and Professional Development
Upcoming Meetings/Summit
(Click the image to view the 2024 calendar)
Annually, the WOCC holds a Women of Color Leadership Institute that focuses on the issues and topics specifically related to the unique challenges faced by women of color working in the anti-violence field.
Mustard Seed Application
View and download the application for the Mustard Seed Funding Project, which invests in women of color seeking pre-seed and seed-level financial support for projects that impact the movement to end violence against women of color. You do not need to be a member of the WOCC to apply. Women of Color who are survivors of violence may also apply. Our mission is to bridge the gap for women of color to write our own stories and lead the way to real justice and access to all systems, services, and economic wealth.
Interested in Joining?
Women of Color Caucus Membership Form (PDF)
If you are interested in joining the caucus, please send completed form to Jasmine Jones (jasminej@clevelandrcc.org) and Deandre Cridell (deandre.criddell@gmail.com), and CC: Shandra Ingram (singram@oaesv.org) and Cheniece Wilson (cheniecew@odvn.org).
Youth Advocacy Caucus
ODVNs Youth Advocacy Caucus is a collaboration of professionals dedicated to being a voice for children and teens impacted by exposure to a partner who abuses in an intimate relationship. We endeavor to honor children’s experiences of violence and support their rights by fostering public awareness, improving services, and advocating for social and political change.
For more information about youth caucus meeting dates and topics contact soniaf@odvn.org.
Statement of Purpose
Caucuses are commonly formed by individuals speaking out on social issues that are traditionally underrepresented. In the Domestic Violence Movement children’s programming has often been made secondary, diminished in importance, and even ignored. As a result youth staff often feel isolated. The ODVN Child Advocacy Caucus was created in the spring of 2004 by domestic violence professionals from around the State of Ohio to address this disparity. We meet quarterly to discuss the unique issues of children living with violence, we work to educate ourselves and those outside of the domestic violence movement about how to best work with children and we provide opportunities for professional development.
Goals and Objectives
- Developing Best Practices for programs working with young people living in domestic violence;
- Provide Educational and Training opportunities for professionals specifically on youth issues;
- Addressing legislative issues impacting young people living in domestic violence, and
- Advocating for systems change where young people living in domestic violence are affected negatively or unfairly.
- All professionals working with children, such as teachers, social workers, and child protective service workers, are encouraged to join the caucus and help make a difference in the lives of young people.
Get in touch. Get involved.
174 E Long Street #200 Columbus, OH 43215
1.800.934.9840
614.781.9651