ADVOCACY IN ACTION

Turning Lived Experience into Lasting Change

What began as a fight to protect my own family became a commitment to helping change the system survivors are forced to navigate. Over the years, that work has taken me from nonprofit leadership and survivor advocacy to legislative testimony, media interviews, and working alongside advocates and lawmakers to strengthen protections for survivors across Ohio.

Jess Patz speaking at the brain injury from violence CARE alliance annual  meeting with The Ohio State University's center for brain injury recovery and discovery center about survival mode, trauma, and domestic violence.

Advocacy + Media

Jess Patz speaking with News 5 Cleveland abou the push to make strangulation during domestic violence in Ohio a felony

Speaking with News 5 Cleveland about the push to make strangulation during domestic violence a felony in Ohio.

BEYOND THE MONSTERS PODCAST

An honest conversation about what happens beyond survival

Jess Patz on Beyond The Monsters Podcast with host Chell Bane

I joined host Chell Bane for a deeper conversation about domestic violence, navigating the systems survivors encounter, and what it really takes to rebuild a life after trauma.

Beyond The Monsters creates space for the conversations that are often difficult to have, sharing real stories of survival, healing, and what comes next.

P.S. You should check out ALL of the episodes, not just mine! Chell and her team have done an incredible job with this show!

WHEN SURVIVAL SHOWS UP IN YOUR BODY

The lasting impact of chronic stress, trauma, and what it means to truly move forward

Jess Patz during a Spectrum News interview about her journey with lupus, chronic stress, and recovery after a stroke.

In this Spectrum News feature, I opened up for the first time up about my journey with lupus, surviving domestic violence, suffering a stroke, and how those experiences changed the way I understand resilience, recovery, and life beyond simply surviving.

Advocacy That Moves Beyond Awareness

Survivor Voice

Using lived experience to help survivors feel seen, challenge assumptions, and bring greater understanding to what happens during and after abuse.

Education + Impact

Using stages, media, and meaningful conversations to raise awareness around domestic violence, trauma, chronic stress, lupus, and the realities of rebuilding after life-changing experiences.

Systems Change

Working alongside advocates and lawmakers to strengthen protections, elevate survivor perspectives and help create meaningful change within the systems survivors navigate.