Top Reproductive Rights Leader Arrested for Felony Strangulation in Shocking Domestic Violence Case

In a disturbing development, Dorian Wingard, the Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Restoring Our Own Through Transformation (ROOTT), an Ohio-based reproductive justice organization, has been accused of domestic violence involving strangulation. This incident casts a shadow over the organization's mission to support the health and well-being of Black women and communities of color.

The Incident

The chief operating officer for a local reproductive health advocacy organization is accused of strangling a woman during a domestic dispute earlier this week.

Dorian Wingard, 53, is charged with strangulation, a felony, as well as domestic violence and assault, according to Franklin County Municipal Court records.

The alleged assault took place Wednesday at a home on Etna Drive in Whitehall. The woman called police from an area hospital where she had been receiving treatment, prosecutors said during a hearing Friday. The officers noticed bruising on the left side of the woman's head and neck and that her collarbone appeared red.

At the end of the hearing, The Columbus Dispatch reported Wingard said, “he had questions and was told an attorney at the Franklin County jail would be able to help answer those for him.”

Legal and Community Implications

UnBossed! Columbus has obtained court records that show back in July 2003 charges were dismissed against Wingard where he had been charged with “DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - KNOWINGLY CAUSE PHYSICAL HARM.”

This current case unfolds against the backdrop of Ohio's recent legislative changes. Until last year, Ohio did not classify strangulation as a felony. However, with the enactment of Senate Bill 288 in April 2023, strangulation is now recognized as a serious felony offense, reflecting the severe danger it poses to victims. This legislative shift aims to provide stronger legal protections and a greater deterrent against such violent acts.

ROOTT, an organization dedicated to addressing the reproductive health needs of Black women, now faces the challenge of navigating this internal crisis. The organization is known for its comprehensive approach, offering doula services, maternal and infant health education, and advocacy for reproductive justice. The news of Wingard's arrest has sent shockwaves through the organization and the Central Ohio community.

The Board of Directors at ROOTT has yet to release a statement at the time of this report.

UnBossed! Columbus reached out to the local organization, the Black Caucus of Central Ohio where Wingard is a founding member and a spokesperson tells us that “there currently has been no decisions made to remove (Dorian) from the leadership team.”

Broader Context

A strangulation is a hazardous form of domestic violence, often indicative of escalating violence and a higher risk of homicide. Studies have shown that victims of strangulation are significantly more likely to experience severe injury or death in future incidents.

This understanding has driven the push for stricter laws and more robust responses from law enforcement and support organizations.

The legal recognition of strangulation as a felony in Ohio marks a critical step in addressing this issue. Senate Bill 288 was championed by advocates for domestic violence victims who highlighted the need for more severe penalties to deter perpetrators. Under the new law, offenders can face significant prison time, reflecting the seriousness of their actions.

What’s Next for Dorian Wingard?

Wingard was arraigned on felony charges on Friday, May 17th, and is currently being represented by a public defender. He is currently out on bond which was $150,000.

Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Zach Gwin set Wingard's bond at $75,000 for the strangulation case and $75,000 for the misdemeanor domestic violence case.

In addition to his bond, the judge has ordered Wingard to not contact the victim, stay away from the incident location, and refrain from further acts or threats of violence. Wingard is also prohibited from possessing firearms, weapons, or ammunition as a condition of his bond.

This case is expected to go before the grand jury for review and consideration for an indictment in the coming weeks.

Impact on ROOTT and the Community

The allegations against Dorian Wingard have placed ROOTT under intense scrutiny. As an organization committed to the health and empowerment of Black women, it must now contend with the implications of having a high-ranking official accused of such a serious crime. The question remains will the board be conducting an internal review and will they be placing Wingard on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation?

Some community leaders and activists have voiced their concerns, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. They are calling for the organization to take decisive action to ensure that its leadership reflects the values it promotes. The incident also highlights the broader issue of domestic violence within communities of color, underscoring the importance of support systems and legal protections.

Call to Action

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of domestic violence, particularly within the black and brown communities. It underscores the necessity for strong community support systems and rigorous enforcement of protective laws.

The community is urged to remain vigilant and supportive of victims of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available.

Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org for confidential support and resources.

Ohio residents can also reach out to the Ohio Domestic Violence Network at 1-800-934-9840 or visit www.odvn.org for local assistance.

In Columbus, CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence offers support at 614-224-4663 or www.choicescolumbus.org.

UnBossed! Columbus is going to continue to follow this story as it develops.

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