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VP Kamala Harris says she plans to 'earn and win' Democratic nomination after Joe Biden drops out and endorses her; New Alabama bill threatens voter rights, legal challenge ensues; Fact-checking GOP claims on immigrants; Water contamination a concern in Midwest flood aftermath.

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President Joe Biden drops his 2024 re-election bid. He's endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to take his spot on the ticket, and election experts say they see benefits to this decision.

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Support for OH domestic violence survivors for substance use, mental health

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Monday, October 9, 2023   

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in the last few years, Ohio has seen an increase in both the number and severity of domestic violence cases.

Shelters across the state are expanding services to better address substance use and mental health issues, with which survivors often struggle.

Tiffany Clark, mobile advocacy case manager for the Southern Ohio Task Force on Domestic Violence, said the ongoing experience of trauma, violence and coercion can lead to attempts to self-medicate.

"A lot of the times we see that it is a trickling effect," Clark observed. "Because they may suffer from mental health issues -- or depression, anxiety, something in that nature -- due to the domestic violence, then they turn to drugs."

The Ohio Domestic Violence Network's new substance abuse and mental health program has equipped its statewide network of 76 agencies with harm reduction tools, opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution, and referrals to substance use treatment. The program is supported by funding from the HealthPath Foundation and the American Rescue Plan.

Mary Ann Peercy, executive director of the Southern Ohio Task Force on Domestic Violence, said the expanded resources have allowed her team to better serve the rural Appalachian region by meeting survivors where they are.

"We were able to hire a mobile advocacy advocate, who's able to, to go out and meet these survivors, victims, at a place that they feel it's safe for them," Peercy explained. "That could be at a coffee shop, at a park."

Clark added mobile advocacy can help individuals and children get out of unsafe situations faster, and save lives.

"It allows me to be hands-on in helping them find treatment, helping them find care providers and things like that," Clark outlined. "And it can also bridge barriers, as far as if they need transportation."

Research shows domestic violence survivors are more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE or text "start" to 88788.


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