Ohio Victim Witness Association

10/01/2026

🚨 Applications Now Open: BEACON Advocacy Institute 🚨

The Ohio Victim Witness Association is excited to launch the BEACON Advocacy Institute, a no-cost, 40-hour foundational victim advocacy training inspired by Ohio's former BASICS Academy.

Designed primarily for newer victim advocates, this hybrid training combines online pre-learning, virtual instruction, and in-person learning to build essential knowledge and skills in victim advocacy, trauma-informed response, victim rights, crisis intervention, and more.

📅 November 2-6, 2026
📍 Hybrid Format
👥 Limited to 45 participants

Pending approval for:
✅ National Advocate Credentialing Program
✅ Ohio Advocate Network (OAN) Registered Advocate
✅ Ohio CSWMFT continuing education credit

Learn more and apply: www.ovwa.org/beacon

09/25/2026

The National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims is observed yearly on the anniversary of Lisa Hullinger's murder. Today and every day, we honor those who have lost their lives to unimaginable violence, and we uplift and support their loved ones through this unimaginable loss. National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc.

09/23/2026

📢 Today is the National Day of Action for the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act (CVFSA).

The CVFSA offers a bipartisan, commonsense solution to stabilize the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) using non-taxpayer dollars, ensuring continuity of services while Congress works toward a long-term fix. Join OVWA and advocates nationwide in urging the Senate to pass the CVFSA and help protect critical funding for victim services.

☎️ Call your Senators today: 202-224-3121

Every voice matters. Every contact counts. Survivors can't wait.

09/17/2026

🚨 Just Added! 🚨
Advocacy requires empathy, self-awareness, and effective communication. Join us for this free one-hour webinar from Silver Linings International to explore practical EQ skills that can strengthen client interactions, workplace relationships, and responses to challenging situations. Open to all, 1 CE Hour pending. Register today! https://ovwa.org/events/

09/11/2026

Today, on the 25th anniversary of September 11, we pause to remember the lives lost, honor the survivors and families forever impacted, and recognize the courage of the first responders who answered the call.

We are reminded that healing is a journey, and acknowledge the critical role victim advocates and service professionals play in supporting healing, hope, and resilience in the aftermath of trauma.

We remember. We reflect. We honor.

09/09/2026

TODAY! Join us at 3pm for an overview of the new tools developed to support co-victims of homicide in Ohio. Register at https://ovwa.org/events/

09/04/2026

09/02/2026

Register now for next Wednesday's webinar on the OVWA Helpline and Guide for Co-Victims of Homicide. OVWA is proud to announce a new Guide for Homicide Co-Victims, along with the launch of our dedicated helpline. We'll share how to access these items and how both can support the services you're already providing. Register now: https://ovwa.org/events/

08/22/2026

You can help protect youth from digital exploitation. On September 18, join the Ashtabula County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) for Hidden Vulnerabilities: Online Exploitation of Children and Our Collaborative Responses. Local professionals and industry experts will lead critical conversations about digital privacy, sextortion, and preventing online exploitation.

Event Details:
📅 September 18, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
🏢 Signature Health (4726 Main Ave, Ashtabula, OH 44004)
🎟️ Tickets are free
Registration is required: tinyurl.com/ashtabula26

08/21/2026

Active and retired first responders: check out this upcoming free retreat from First Responders' Bridge!

What would you do if a fellow first responder were in a life or death situation? You would risk your life to help them every time. What are you willing to do for yourself and your family when you are struggling?
We are now registering for our 26th, confidential, expense free retreat. Come get the healing you and your family deserve, free of cost. Register today!