From Crisis Lines to the Statehouse with Representative Michele Grim

What happens when a former rape crisis volunteer becomes a state lawmaker? In this episode, Representative Michele Grim shares her journey from answering hotline calls as a teenager to shaping laws in the Ohio Statehouse. She discusses the challenges and opportunities of passing meaningful legislation on sexual violence, the role survivor stories play in influencing policy, and why stigma and silence remain barriers to justice.

Hosted by Laurie Hamame and Emily Gemar, this conversation highlights the power of advocacy inside and outside the legislature. Learn more about OAESV's public policy work and survivor-led initiatives. Find your lawmaker here.

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This publication was supported by Rape Crisis Funding awarded by the Ohio Governor’s office, administered by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. The opinions, findings, conclusion, and recommendations expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Governor or the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.