Advocacy Corner

At YWCA Greater Cleveland, we know that lasting change requires action beyond our walls. Advocacy is at the heart of our mission. Here, you’ll find resources to stay informed and engaged—whether it’s understanding key legislation, learning how public policy impacts our community, or making your voice heard at the ballot box.

From voter education to opportunities for involvement, Advocacy Corner connects you to the tools and information you need to drive equity and justice in Greater Cleveland and beyond. Together, we can influence the systems that shape our lives and create a community where every person can thrive.

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Take Action - Contact Your Representatives

YOUR VOICE MATTERS!!!

Act Now to Extend the Path to Justice for Survivors

Nearly every minute, someone in the United States experiences sexual assault. In Ohio, survivors who wish to pursue civil action currently have just one year to seek legal recourse—a deadline that fails to reflect the realities of trauma and recovery. Rather than serving justice, it creates a barrier that prevents many survivors from ever having their day in court.

We need to extend Ohio’s civil statute of limitations for sexual offenses from one year to five years, giving survivors more time to process their experiences, access critical support services, and pursue justice when they are ready.

Please use the materials below to call and/or email your State Representative in the Ohio House of Representatives as soon as possible and urge them to create a companion bill and swiftly pass it during this general assembly. Your voice matters! 

Tools to Take Action

  • (To Ohio State Representatives)

    June xx, 2026 

    Dear [Rep.] [Last Name], 

    Subject: Extend the Path to Justice for Survivors.  Create House of Representatives Companion Bill to Senate Bill 421

    Sexual assault is prevalent. In Ohio, survivors who wish to pursue civil action currently have just one year to seek legal recourse—a deadline that fails to reflect the realities of trauma and recovery. Rather than serving justice, it creates a barrier that prevents many survivors from ever having their day in court.

    We need to extend Ohio’s civil statute of limitations for sexual offenses from one year to five years, giving survivors more time to process their experiences, access critical support services, and pursue justice when they are ready. By extending the filing window to five years, Ohio would create a legal framework that better aligns with the lived experiences of survivors while preserving due process protections. Importantly, SB 421 does not lower evidentiary standards or alter the burden of proof required in civil cases.

    For these reasons, we respectfully urge you to strengthen trust in the legal system, support survivors, and modernize state law to reflect the realities of trauma. Vote to create a companion bill and swiftly pass it during this general assembly.

    Sincerely, 

    [Signed/Electronic Signature/or Printed Name] 

    [Your First & Last Name] 

    [Your Address] 

    [Email Address] 

    [Phone Number] 

  •  To Ohio State Senators in Columbus

    📞 Phone Script: 

    Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City/Zip Code]. 

    I’m calling to urge you to extend Ohio’s civil statute of limitations for sexual offenses from one year to five years

    Strengthen trust in the legal system, support survivors, and modernize state law to reflect the realities of trauma. Survivors deserve more than an arbitrary deadline. They deserve a justice system that recognizes the complexities of trauma, supports healing, and provides a meaningful opportunity to seek accountability. SB 421 is a critical step toward that goal.

    Can we count on you to preserving due process protections of violated citizens? 

    Thank you for your time and support. 

    Please provide your name and contact information so the staff know you are a constituent, take you seriously, and send you a written response—make sure to request that they confirm their support in writing!

  • You can locate your members of Congress and their contact information here, and cut and paste the signed, dated letter in the email forms provided. Make sure to request a written response from them for your records!