COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Families and educators in Ohio aren't the only ones coping with back-to-school challenges during a pandemic.

Domestic violence shelters also are working tirelessly to turn safe spaces into learning spaces.

Terri Heckmen, CEO for the Battered Women's Shelter of Summit and Medina Counties, explained their residents have children in 14 different schools; some attending classes in person, and others online.

She said they were ready when classes started for their current residents, and hope to move quickly to get any incoming children connected for their schooling.

"When we bring families in, the average is children are missing two days," Heckmen said. "We can get some of them back up the next day, depending on complications of the actual domestic violence. But we would like kids to not miss any schooling. If we can get them up and running right away, we'd like to be able to do that."

To accommodate learning, some shelters are converting living areas into classroom spaces; others are changing mealtimes to match school schedules. And Heckmen said they're working with local districts to bring in tutors, and have hired a new staff member with educational experience to work with kids.

Sonia Ferencik, youth advocacy and trauma-informed services coordinator for the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, said life is turned upside down for children entering a shelter setting with a parent.

Most have experienced a great deal of trauma from witnessing violence, which she said can take a toll on learning.

"A lot of times kids have difficulty; 'stressed brains,' it's been said," Ferencik explained. "It's hard to learn, because you're in your 'survival brain,' as opposed to your prefrontal cortex or your 'thinking brain.' "

Ferencik said there are specific advocates in some shelters working with kids on calming activities to help them feel safe and ready to learn. And then, there are the practical considerations for getting school work done.

"Do they have a desk?" Ferencik asked. "Shelters are always looking for people to help with school supplies, backpacks, and it may be access to laptops and hotspots to be able to reach your school."

She added the shelters have done tremendous work to stay open and clean during the pandemic, and will continue to adjust their operations to ensure the safety of survivors and their children.

The Nebraska Legislature is considering a bill that would provide nearly $1 million to help survivors of domestic abuse and sex trafficking pay for emergency housing.

Recent research shows that 1.4 million Nebraskans have reported some form of domestic or sexual violence in their lifetimes.

Jo Bair, executive director of the Encourage Advocacy Center in Hastings, said lack of access to safe and affordable housing is a primary barrier for survivors of sex trafficking and intimate partner violence, who are trying to escape abusive relationships.

"So," said Bair, "these survivors are having to weigh out, 'Do I stay in an unsafe situation, or do I leave and potentially become homeless, potentially have my children become homeless?'"

Bair added that people who've experienced domestic violence or sex trafficking have almost always suffered financial abuse. They're either prevented from working, or have had their work sabotaged.

They're often cut off from people who could help them, and have poor or no credit history.

The measure is currently pending in the Nebraska Legislative Revenue Committee.

Nebraska has passed legislation in the past designed to help victims of domestic violence, but Bair said LB 78 goes further, by bridging the cost and social service gap that has been left in the past.

"These are also funds that are going to be provided to people who are working with victim service agencies, who are doing extensive case management support to help ensure that there is sustainability," said Bair, "and that people are going to be able to support themselves after they have this initial help."

Critics of plans like the one proposed in LB 78 worry about people's ongoing dependence on the state for financial help.



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Service providers and advocacy groups in Ohio and across the country are facing uncertainty following recent executive orders that have thrown federal funding for crisis services into question.

Taylr Ucker-Lauderman, chief engagement officer at the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, said her organization relies on these funds to provide critical support to victims of sexual violence.

"These have become services and programs and entire organizations that communities in Ohio have come to depend on for decades," she said. "So we're talking about emergency life-saving services for people in our communities"

A national survey found that while 58% of local sexual-assault programs reported an increased demand for services, 40% reported a decrease in funding. This funding uncertainty is raising concerns about the potential strain on other community resources such as hospitals and emergency services.

Even with recent updates indicating that the memo on the federal funding freeze has been rescinded, Ohio service providers say the impact remains significant.

"Whether there is a federal funding freeze or it is rescinded, this still causes challenges for providing crisis services to survivors," she said. "Our time right now is focused on making Plan B or Plan C. This week the services are truly being impacted and interrupted."

Advocates have warned that funding instability, even if temporary, disrupts service continuity and creates long-term challenges for organizations that rely on these resources. While the memo reversal provides some relief, providers say they remain cautious about the broader implications for Ohioans who depend on these critical services.

For crime survivors in Mississippi, the healing journey often begins with finding resources that can feel out of reach.

A $7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice could make a difference as they rebuild their lives. The funds will ensure support for priority groups, including survivors of child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence and underserved populations.

The Mississippi State Department of Health's Office Against Interpersonal Violence oversees the funds.

Cerissa Eubanks, grant administrator for the office, said they will focus on addressing barriers and providing critical support.

"To me, in my words, what this means, this is an avenue to help save someone that's been a victim of crime," Eubanks emphasized. "You may not be able to address all issues, but you have a path to start the process, and this path comes with funding."

The department, like many support providers, is still rebounding after the pandemic, when access to services decreased, even as the number of calls to places like domestic violence hotlines and shelters increased.

Eubanks explained collaboration lies at the heart of the initiative. The Health Department is encouraging nonprofits, for-profit companies and other organizations to apply if they have ways to provide more support services.

"If you're interested in working with victims and you meet the eligibility requirement, please apply for those funds so that we can offer more direct services to all victims of crime within the state of Mississippi," Eubanks urged.

She stressed the importance of partnerships with organizations like the Mississippi Domestic Violence Coalition and the Mississippi Sexual Assault Coalition, which complement or supplement traditional policing efforts. She added a wraparound approach to providing services reinforces the reality that no one agency can do it alone.


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