By Okon Ekpenyong

In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, organizations nationwide, like Ohio Health, organized conferences or seminars and invited experts to provide the latest information to help prevent digitally facilitated abuse and explore the impact of technology in anti-violence work.

The Ohio Health System is a leading healthcare provider serving Columbus and Central Ohio. On Wednesday, April 12, 2023, Ohio Health held its 15th annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month Conference at the Hospital Administrator building in Columbus, Ohio. During the conference, experts provided information about how online sexual abuse happens and ways of prevention.

Through its Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program, it not only assists those seeking assistance but also works with experts in the program to conduct data analysis to identify victims and provide a safe, confidential environment for anyone to share their experiences.

Some attendees were advocates, and by attending the conference, they gained a more comprehensive approach to helping support survivors. Among the topics discussed today were identifying the types of online abuse and how victim crime prevention units can work with cybersecurity experts to develop safe online communities.

Funding for the conference came from Franklin County VAWA STOP Sub Grant Award 22-WF-VA5-8762, administered by the Franklin County Office of Justice Policy and Programs, Department of Homeland Security and Justice Programs, and Rape Crisis Fund Grant issued by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

Some conference speakers were from the Ohio Health Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio, the Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center, and the Center for Family Safety and Healing. The keynote speakers were Tamara Sobel, JD, National Advisor of Health & Media Literacy, and Assistant City Prosecutor of Franklin County Prospector’s Office.

The Rox Institute of Research and Training was one of the vendors at this year’s conference. During our interview with Dorothy Martindale, the Program Manager of this organization, she provided insight into the organization, which aims to study the lives of girls across the country and use that information to help caring adults and make the world a better place.

“Rox offers comprehensive programs that cover all aspects of girls’ lives, not just body image and self-defense. Such program help gives girls the skills to navigate the different challenges as a teenager”, Martindale said.

Regarding digitally facilitated abuse, Rox’s presence was essential because navigating the complex world of today’s girls is so crucial. There’s a genuine risk of girls being exploited or started to explore their sexuality much earlier than they should have as a result of cyberbullying.

Research data, conferences, and awareness raising are also important, particularly among immigrant and refugee communities. They can help identify areas where an issue exists, and experts can look into finding a solution before a life is lost. The organization focuses on girls in grades five through twelve.

“All of our programming centered around data and our research on girls’ experience and what they need from adults in their lives to become more successful,” Martindale said.

It was equally important to have the other vendor present to show how Sexual Assault affects everyone in the community and to show support for survivors of sexual assault.

Several breakout sessions provided incredible amounts of resourceful data and information for survivors, advocates, and the community, including leveraging Marsy’s Law to protect survivors of digital abuse, using social media opportunities and barriers in www.rulingourexperiences.org (Rox)

* 46% of high girls don’t believe they are smart enough for their dream career.

* 31% of girls say they have been bullied or made fun of on social media.

* 80% of high school girls report that guys their age are not respectful of girls.

* 76% of girls believe that most girls compete with one another.

* 61% of girls say that they like to be in charge.

A central Ohio mom stated that a young girl’s body is hers, no one has the right to violate her privacy, and what you are is who you are, regardless of the shape and size of her body. When you step out of the door, it’s not about how you look; it’s about how you present yourself.

“For my nieces and daughters, I have always instilled high expectations that they can achieve greatness without help. Those difficult conversations with them were also vital, even if they did not want to have them,” she said.

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