Reps. Jarrells, Williams Hold Press Conference Introducing Legislation to Support Domestic Violence Survivors in Healthcare Settings

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) and Majority Whip Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) today held a press conference introducing the Break the Silence Act, bipartisan legislation that would establish a consistent, statewide approach to identify and support domestic violence survivors in hospitals and urgent care settings.

“In 2023, Ohio saw the highest number of domestic violence-related deaths ever recorded—112 lives lost in a single year,” said Rep. Jarrells. “This October, as we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we must also confront the silent gaps in our systems that continue to place survivors at risk. The Break the Silence Act is about building a clinical response that does not wait for survivors to speak, but instead knows how to listen, how to see, and how to act.” 

The Break the Silence Act would:

• Establish Standard Protocols – Requires the Director of Health to create procedures for screening, private interviews, injury documentation including photographs, and referral to legal, shelter, and medical services.
• Expand Training Opportunities – Directs the Ohio Department of Health or a qualified partner to train hospital and urgent care staff to recognize signs of abuse and respond using trauma-informed care.
• Promote Uniform Adoption – Calls for every licensed hospital and urgent care center in Ohio to implement a set of protocols within 90 days of the bill’s effective date to ensure a consistent standard of care for survivors statewide.

The legislation ensures that wherever a survivor seeks care in Ohio, they are met with professionals prepared to recognize abuse, intervene safely, and connect them to critical services.

“The trauma of abuse does not end at the hospital door,” continued Rep. Jarrells. “Survivors deserve to be seen, believed, and protected. This bill makes that possible.”

 The Break the Silence Act was officially introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives and is currently awaiting committee assignment.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A picture of Rep. Jarrells at Thursday’s press conference is attached to this release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats. The press conference in its entirety can be viewed here.