Manning Honored for Advocacy by Ohio Domestic Violence Network

COLUMBUS – State Senator Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville) received the Leadership in Policy Award from the Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) for his work on legislation that would help end domestic violence in the state.

Manning advocated for legislation that established strangulation as a felony in Ohio. The enhanced penalties were enacted through Senate Bill 288, which took effect in April. In addition, Manning has worked with ODVN to advance Senate Bill 100, which would prohibit the installation of an electronic tracking device on someone else’s property without the other person’s consent.

“One of the first things Senator Manning mentioned to me was that during his time as a prosecutor he saw first-hand the heavy price paid by domestic violence victims and their communities,” said Mary O'Doherty, Executive Director of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network. “He has carried that experience to the statehouse where we count him as a key supporter of our legislative efforts to increase state support for our domestic violence programs to keep survivors and families safe.”

ODVN is a collaboration of more than 70 local domestic violence programs statewide with the purpose of strengthening and supporting Ohio’s response to domestic violence through training, public awareness, and technical assistance through the implementation of public policy. The network’s programs served close to 81,000 survivors and their children in 2022. You can learn more about ODVN’s efforts and resources here. 

One of the ODVN’s member programs, Lorain County Safe Harbor and Genesis House, provides numerous services to domestic violence survivors such as shelter, supportive services, legal advocacy, and support groups.

“We are truly thankful for Senator Manning’s heart and passion not only for the survivors he advocated for as a board member of Genesis House, but all the survivors he has assisted through his legislative efforts,” said Jill Psota-Vazquez, Executive Director of Lorain County Safe Harbor and Genesis House. “Our organization can expand our mission thanks to the Senator’s support to increase statewide funding for our programs as well as his efforts to pass legislation that helps protect and advocate for our survivors. We look forward to working with Senator Manning to serve all survivors and continue to ensure their voices are heard.”

You can learn more about Lorain County Safe Harbor and Genesis House here.

“As a strong advocate for public safety, addressing domestic violence has always been a top priority of mine,” said Manning. “Working with fellow legislators and organizations such as ODVN, we have enacted policy that provides vital protection and support to victims of domestic violence, and we will continue that work moving forward.”

Manning was honored along with Governor Mike DeWine, Attorney General Dave Yost, and House Minority Leader Allison Russo at ODVN’s annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month press conference.