Ponca City Survivor Resource Network’s Tara Tyler, PAC Chair at Recent State Meeting

Twenty Executive Directors from the state’s various Oklahoma Attorney General certified domestic violence and sexual assault shelters and programs met August 9th to discuss next steps following the recent announced dissolution of the state coalition. Under the coalition’s umbrella, the program EDs have met monthly for years as the Program Advisory Council, PAC, to discuss shelter needs, legislative agendas, provide the coalition with strategic advice, and ensure consistent state-wide service.

Chair of PAC, Tara Tyler from Ponca City’s Survivor Resource Network, presided over the day long strategic and organizing meeting held at the YWCA campus in Oklahoma City.

They wrapped up the full day meeting in agreement that to maintain the standard of care for their clients and communities, they must continue functioning as an alliance. End Violence in Oklahoma, EVO, was adopted as their new name and several committees were created, including a Legislative Committee. All agreed that striving for improvements in the laws to protect victims of domestic violence, including children who have witnessed abuse, is vital to their work.

Karen Cummingham, Senior Victim Services Advocate, from the Oklahoma General Attorney’s Victim Advocacy and Services Unit was also present during the portion of the meeting. The OAG is the state agency authorized to certify and fund DVSA services.