COLUMBUS, Ohio — The families of Ohio crime victims joined survivors to ask the state for help.

What You Need To Know

  • Ohio crime can be classified but not limited to human trafficking, assaults, robberies and murder

  • Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice came to the statehouse Wednesday to call for support and safer communities

  • Senate Bill 36 recently passed which revises crime victims compensation to provide easier access to jobs and housing

  • The nonprofit is working to get more legislation for affordable housing and easier re-location
 

Human trafficking, assault, robbery and murder, are just a few of the crimes that brought hundreds of survivors and family members together at the Ohio Statehouse to ask for more legislative support and safer communities. Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, or CSSJ,  is a national network of survivors whose goal is to amplify the voices of people like Haleigh Young.

“I was trafficked and sexually abused by family members growing up,” said Young. “Then at the age of 17, I was trafficked by a massage parlor and then also trafficked in my early adulthood.”

Young found support and healing at a trauma recovery center in Springfield. The center recently received funding from the CSSJ. Stephen Massey is the center's director who was also at the Statehouse. He wanted to share his own experience as inspiration to others. 

“At that point I didn't know there was help, and we didn't have a lot of the support we have now,” said Massey.

Both Massey and Young hope lawmakers will see the importance of resources for survivors and recognize that more is needed. Young worked alongside Massey and his wife at the Citilook Trauma and Recovery Center. Young said that the wrap-around care she received was unmatched.

“They partnered with me instead of telling me what I needed and really helped me to find my voice,” said Young. 

Massey said Wednesday's event was an opportunity to create a community and advocate for their common goals, but it also provided therapy for those who may have previously felt alone.

“People who've been in pain find their purpose and find healing in their journey,” said Massey. “Just as I have.”

The nonprofit advocates across the country for better resources for crime survivors, like safe housing and job security, to help rebuild their sense of security.

They celebrated when Senate Bill 36 passed, because it revises crime victims' compensation to provide easier access to jobs and housing, but would like to see more legislation when it comes to affordable housing and easier relocation.