Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Inc. (OCADVSA)
Background
The Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Inc. (OCADVSA) was a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Oklahoma and Indian Country. Established in 1981, its mission was to organize and mobilize member programs to prevent and eliminate sexual and domestic violence and stalking in the State of Oklahoma and in Indian Country.
Key Strategic Focus
OCADVSA's strategic focus encompassed:
- Training and Certification: Providing training opportunities for victim service advocates and allies on various topics, including the Certified Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Professional (CDSVRP) certification.
- Technical Assistance: Offering support on organizational capacity, policies, resource sharing, and agency connections to enhance the effectiveness of member programs.
- Public Policy Advocacy: Advocating for legislation that supports victims and victim service providers, ensuring that all victims and service agencies are represented in legislative processes.
- Educational Resources: Providing educational materials to direct service providers, advocates, law enforcement, mental health professionals, educators, and the general public to raise awareness and combat domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking.
Financials and Funding
OCADVSA's funding primarily consisted of federal grants and annual membership fees from state victim service programs. In 2022, the Office on Violence Against Women awarded the coalition $267,469. However, in 2023, federal auditors discovered misspending by the nonprofit's former director, leading to the freezing of grant funds and the eventual dissolution of the organization.
Pipeline Development
As a coalition, OCADVSA did not develop products or services but focused on supporting and enhancing the capabilities of its member programs through training, technical assistance, and advocacy.
Technological Platform and Innovation
OCADVSA utilized various platforms and technologies to support its initiatives, including:
- Training Platforms: Online and in-person training sessions for victim service advocates and allies.
- Resource Directories: Comprehensive directories of shelters and crisis centers across Oklahoma to assist victims in finding support services.
- Advocacy Tools: Legislative tracking and communication tools to monitor and influence public policy.
Leadership Team
Prior to its dissolution, OCADVSA's leadership included:
- Marcia A. Smith: Executive Director.
- Candida A. Manion: Former Executive Director, dismissed in 2021 due to financial mismanagement.
- Jeri Holmes: Attorney hired to restructure the coalition and ensure compliance during the audit process.
In 2021, Candida A. Manion was dismissed as Executive Director following the discovery of financial mismanagement. Subsequently, Jeri Holmes was appointed to oversee the restructuring and compliance efforts.
Market Insights and Dynamics
The market for domestic violence and sexual assault support services in Oklahoma is critical, given the state's high rates of such incidents. In 2021, nearly 25,000 incidents of domestic abuse were reported to Oklahoma law enforcement, and the state had the nation's second-highest rate of women murdered by men, which is twice the national average.
Competitor Analysis
Following the dissolution of OCADVSA, other organizations have played significant roles in supporting victims:
- Native Alliance Against Violence (NAAV): Established in 2009, NAAV serves as Oklahoma's only tribal domestic violence and sexual assault coalition, providing culturally appropriate technical assistance, training, and support to eliminate domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence in Native communities.
- Oklahoma Coalition Against Human Trafficking (OCAT): Since 2013, OCAT has worked to build programs and partnerships to support the prevention of human trafficking, protection for those who have experienced trafficking, and prosecution of offenders.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Both NAAV and OCAT collaborate with various state and federal agencies, local organizations, and community groups to enhance their services and reach. These partnerships are crucial for providing comprehensive support to victims and advocating for systemic change.
Operational Insights
The dissolution of OCADVSA has created a gap in statewide coordination and support for victim service programs. Organizations like NAAV and OCAT have stepped in to fill this void, but the absence of a central coordinating body presents challenges in resource allocation, training standardization, and unified advocacy efforts.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
The need for a unified coalition in Oklahoma remains evident. Future efforts may focus on rebuilding a central organization to coordinate services, advocate for policy changes, and provide training and resources to local programs. Such an initiative would aim to restore balance and safety for all communities in Oklahoma and Indian Country.
Contact Information
As of December 2025, OCADVSA has dissolved, and its operations have ceased. For assistance or information related to domestic violence and sexual assault support services in Oklahoma, individuals are encouraged to contact local shelters, crisis centers, or the Oklahoma Safeline at 1-800-522-7233 (SAFE).
