Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence

Proposal Abstract: Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence 

Survivors of sexual violence can endure both immediate and long-term consequences on their physical health, mental well-being, economic stability, and housing security as a result of the violence. There are currently gaps in short-term housing programs for sexual assault survivors in Ohio. The Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence (OAESV) aims to address this issue by expanding existing housing programs and establishing a Rapid Rehousing Program for sexual assault survivors in Ohio. This project will focus on Central Ohio Counties: Crawford, Franklin, Knox, Marion, and Union Counties for 36 months, as these areas have high levels of housing insecurity and are prioritized for housing assistance for victims and their families. 

OAESV is partnering with Ohio Rape Crisis Centers to receive referrals and offer short-term housing services to sexual assault survivors in central Ohio. The goal is to ensure that comprehensive wrap-around advocacy services are available. The Rapid Rehousing Project aims to achieve the following: 1) prevent victims of sexual violence from becoming homeless, and when homelessness does occur, provide assistance to help survivors quickly secure housing, 2) increase survivors’ resiliency and self-sufficiency following sexual violence through successful housing support thereby allowing survivors to save money and gain financial independence, and 3) provide ongoing holistic housing support services to keep survivors of sexual violence housed. The expected positive outcomes include: increased housing stability, improved mental health and overall health outcomes, enhanced employment opportunities, and greater economic empowerment.