OAESV Advocacy Day 2025: Voices of Change

This year’s OAESV Advocacy Day was the most attended in their history—a powerful reminder that our collective voice is growing louder, stronger, and more determined. Survivors, advocates, and allies gathered at the Ohio Statehouse under the theme “Voices of Change,” and that’s exactly what we brought with us.

I had the chance to share my story with legislative staffers. It was personal, emotional, and deeply important. Telling our stories isn't just about being heard—it’s about forging connection. And it’s through those personal connections that change begins. Policy may seem distant or disconnected, but when we speak our truths, we make it real for the people in power.

Throughout the day, we were grounded and uplifted by a series of incredible speakers—each one reminding us that advocacy is not a moment, it’s a movement. That we must advocate yesterday, today, tomorrow, and always, regardless of the storms we’re facing in the world around us. Because silence is not an option—not now, not ever.

These times are hard. They’re heavy. They’re exhausting. But the message was clear:
If we lose our voices now, we lose this fight.

Voices of Change isn’t just a theme—it’s a truth. And we are those voices. Each story, each presence, each act of courage on Advocacy Day was a testament to the strength and resilience of survivors and the people who walk beside them.

We showed up. We spoke out. We stood together.
And we will keep going—until real change comes.

Because our stories matter.
Because our voices matter.
Because we are the voices of change.