Sexual Assault Task Force—Ohio

Overview
A statewide task force made up of representatives from various agencies and organizations in Ohio is focusing on sexual assault crisis intervention or prevention.

Goals

• Conduct a needs assessment regarding issues related to sexual assault in Ohio.
• Develop and implement recommendations to respond to the identified needs.
• Bring organizations together to respond to sexual assault in Ohio.

Making the Idea a Reality
The Ohio Department of Health received funding for the first 2 years of the project. Volunteer efforts and staff support through the state's Rape Prevention Education program have maintained the program.

Benefits to Victims
Victims benefit from better coordination of services, greater awareness of services, and improved training of service providers in a wide variety of professions.

Benefits to Criminal Justice
The criminal justice system also benefits from increased coordination and awareness of services and improved training of service providers in a wide variety of professions.

Lessons Learned
Team building and evaluation planning at the beginning of the process was very effective. Strong committee chairs are necessary to keep the wide variety of projects on task.

Contact Information
Ohio Department of Health
246 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215