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Survivors Speak: Cleveland crime victims join rally in Columbus to call for change

Organizers say their goal is to urge Ohio lawmakers to support victims’ rights while calling for policies that address trauma, prioritize rehabilitation and more.

CLEVELAND — More than 200 crime survivors are gathering together Wednesday to call for change with a “Survivors Speak” rally in Columbus.

Organizers say their goal is to urge Ohio lawmakers to support victims’ rights while calling for policies that help address trauma, prioritize rehabilitation and tackle the root causes of crime. It’s an annual event hosted by Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice.

A group of Cleveland residents are joining the rally, some boarding a bus early Wednesday morning to travel to Columbus together. 3News’ Austin Love was there where he spoke with one of the participants shortly after 5:30 a.m. You can watch his interview in the player at the top of this story.

The group also offers the following outline of goals:

  • Expand funding for additional Trauma Recovery Centers to serve more Ohio crime victims in need.
  • Extend unpaid leave for crime victims and their loved ones to find safety, navigate the courts, and begin to heal after a crime while maintaining economic stability.
  • Establish housing protections for crime victims and their loved ones, including provisions that allow them to relocate safely.
  • Improve rehabilitation programs that improve safety, including improving the earned credit program and transitional control – proven solutions to reducing recidivism.

After their rally, the group will hold a vigil in memory of loved ones who were lost to violence.

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Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in an unrelated story on Feb. 23, 2022.

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