Ohio

AIDS Resource Center Ohio provides comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention/education programs, testing and counseling, support services, and linkage to service throughout 35 Ohio counties. ARC Ohio is the region’s access point for two primary federal and state programs assisting those living with HIV: the Ryan White CARE Act and Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS. All persons living with HIV/AIDS wishing to access these resources can do so by enrolling in ARC Ohio’s case management program. In addition, ARC Ohio offers an array of other services aimed at maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for people living with HIV, including: crisis intervention, financial aid, nutritional assistance and pantry program, rent and utility assistance, advocacy and community referrals, quality of life programs, funds for diagnostic and medical care, transportation assistance, home-based assistance, education, support groups, and a supportive housing program for HIV+ individuals who are homeless. All AIDS Resource Center Ohio programs are confidential and free for participants.

The Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization (BRAVO) works to eliminate violence perpetrated on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identification, domestic violence, and sexual assault through prevention, education, advocacy, violence documentation, and survivor services. BRAVO works, within and on behalf of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender communities. BRAVO serves the Central Ohio area by providing the following services: crisis intervention; documentation of hate crimes, domestic violence, and sexual assault; judgment-free support for survivors, family members, and friends; links to local law enforcement officials; community-wide education; and support groups. All reports are confidential and all services are free.

Founded in 1974, The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center is the only agency in Cuyahoga County that provides free, comprehensive services to survivors of sexual assault. Services include: 24-hour crisis intervention hotline; information and referrals; individual and group therapy for children, adolescent, and adult survivors of sexual abuse and their non-offending family members; justice system advocacy; and community education. All services are free and confidential.

Operated by The Nord Center, Lorain County Rape Crisis Service offers comprehensive services to survivors of sexual assault, their family members, and significant others. Services include: 24-hour sexual assault hotline, hospital accompaniment and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, advocacy and support throughout legal proceedings, short-term crisis intervention and individual or group support, referrals for counseling, and support for family members and significant others. Lorain County Rape Crisis Service is willing to meet one-on-one with prisoners and to provide educational presentations in correctional facilities. Services are free and confidential and available to adolescents, men, and women throughout Lorain County.

Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry creates programs that serve with people who are impacted by the criminal justice system.

The Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence (OAESV) is a coalition of sexual assault, allied organizations, and individuals throughout Ohio working to eliminate all forms of sexual violence. OAESV provides support, advocacy, and policy information to organizations working to advocate for the rights and needs of survivors of sexual violence. OAESV is currently working with Ohio Rape Crisis Centers on implementation of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards. Survivors can contact OAESV for basic information and referrals via their Resource and Referral Line, email and mail.

Open Arms offers programs, services, and resources to those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault in Hancock County. The Rape Crisis Program at Open Arms provides the following services to survivors of sexual assault: 24-hour crisis hotline; advocacy in the emergency room and accompaniment through the legal process; emergency shelter, as available; one-on-one support and education about sexual assault; support groups for adult survivors of rape; and support for family and friends. All services are free and confidential.

The Sexual Violence Program provides 24/7 response to primary and secondary survivors of sexual violence through crisis intervention, emotional support, medical and legal advocacy, information and resources.

Service area: Wood County Juvenile Detention Center and Northwest Community Corrections Center
Work with: Primary and secondary survivors of sexual violence
Services for survivors during incarceration include: Information, referrals, and references; crisis intervention and counseling via hotline; in-person counseling; legal and medical advocacy; hospital accompaniment during forensic exams; accompaniment to courts and during law enforcement interviews; mail correspondence.
Services for survivors after release include: Hospital accompaniment during forensic exams; legal and medical advocacy; in-person counseling; group counseling/support groups; crisis intervention and counseling via hotline; information, referrals, and references; accompaniment to courts and during law enforcement interviews; mail correspondence.
Services for loved ones include: Mail correspondence; crisis intervention and counseling via hotline; information, referrals, and references.
Fees: Free
Additional Information: All services available in English.

Founded in 1973, Women Helping Women provides crisis intervention and support services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in Hamilton County and survivors of sexual assault in Butler County. Services include: crisis intervention to sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking survivors as well as to offer referrals to appropriate community services, support in area hospital emergency rooms, court and law enforcement advocacy and support groups.

YWCA Northwest Ohio provides comprehensive services to survivors of sexual assault and their family members. Services include: 24-hour hotline; crisis intervention; information and referrals; hospital accompaniment, support, and advocacy; legal system and criminal justice advocacy; and support groups. All services are free and confidential.

The Correctional Institution Inspection Committee (CIIC) is a legislative committee that provides oversight to Ohio’s prisons and youth services facilities. The Committee staff assists the CIIC in carrying out its duties. The Committee’s statutory duties and/or authority are to inspect each state correctional institution; evaluate and assist in the development of programs to improve conditions and operations in correctional institutions; report on inspection findings, and any programs proposed or developed to improve conditions or operations in correctional institutions; and  evaluate and report on the grievance procedure at each correctional institution.

The Committee welcomes and appreciates communication from those who live or work in correctional facilities. Such communication helps the Committee to identify problems, issues, or concerns that may need to be addressed.

The Office of Inspector General investigates fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption within the executive branch of state government. Complaints received by the office are reviewed and evaluated to determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe the underlying allegations, if true, would constitute a “wrongful act or omission” on the part of a state officer, agency, or employee. Inmates can write to the Office of Inspector General to report incidents of sexual abuse in detention and concerns regarding the handling of investigations into such abuses.

The Office of the Chief Inspector monitors the application of the inmate grievance procedures in institutions to ensure that inmate concerns and problems are being appropriately addressed. Each institution has an Inspector of Institutional Services who is physically located at the institution. This inspector administers the inmate grievance process at the facility and conducts regular inspections to ensure departmental rules and policies are being properly followed.

The Office of the Chief Inspector provides assistance to institutional investigators and inspectors as well as conducts internal administrative investigations for the department. Inmates who believe that their grievance has not been resolved by the inspector can file an appeal to the Chief Inspector within 14 days of receiving the inspector’s disposition. Ask the inspector for an appeal form and mail the appeal along with copies of the grievance, disposition of grievance, and informal complaint (if any) to the Chief Inspector, who will review the appeal and send a decision in about 30 days. All decisions made by the Chief Inspector’s office are final.

The Ohio Justice and Policy Center (formerly the Prison Reform Advocacy Center) is a non-profit law office that works for productive, statewide reform of the criminal justice system by: promoting rehabilitation for incarcerated people; enabling them to successfully reintegrate into the community; and eliminating racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Though its impact litigation and advocacy, the Ohio Justice and Policy Center (OJPC) works to eliminate unconstitutional and dangerous conditions of confinement for Ohio prisoners. The Human Rights in Prison Project provides prisoners with legal representation and advocacy to address violations of civil rights. OJPC focuses on systemic issues of widespread importance in the prison system, such as the denial of healthcare. Prisoners in need of assistance can write to OJPC at the address above.

In all of Ohio’s major metropolitan areas and certain other counties, the local bar sponsors a lawyer referral service. If you need a lawyer, you can call the referral service to obtain the name of a lawyer. Often the lawyer will schedule a half hour consultation for a very affordable fee (typically $15-$25). Ask for fee information when you call.