Surviving Ohio State: Public Justice Fights for Accountability and Change

At Advocate Capital, we support Public Justice and their courageous work to expose systemic abuse and fight for survivors. Their ongoing efforts in the Ohio State University sexual abuse case demonstrate the importance of legal advocacy in uncovering the truth and demanding justice, even when institutions resist accountability.

A Story That Demands to Be Heard

On June 17th, HBO Max premiered Surviving Ohio State. This powerful documentary exposes decades of sexual abuse at the hands of Dr. Richard Strauss, an athletic physician and professor at Ohio State University. The film shines a light not only on the horrific acts perpetrated by Strauss, but also on the university’s long-standing failure to act, despite knowing what was happening. For years, OSU ignored or actively concealed the abuse, allowing it to continue unchecked.

Public Justice represents some of the brave survivors featured in the documentary. Since 2018, Public Justice has represented 106 survivors who are seeking justice for the abuse they endured and calling for meaningful reforms to ensure future students are protected.

Seven years after the initial lawsuit was filed, these survivors are still waiting. Surviving Ohio State gives them a platform to tell their stories, and demands that the public listen.

A Legal Battle for Accountability

Public Justice’s work in this case goes far beyond the courtroom. It’s about shifting the narrative, challenging powerful institutions, and ensuring survivors are not silenced. The documentary brings national attention to OSU’s refusal to take responsibility and the university’s dismissive response to calls for change.

These survivors are not only seeking compensation for the trauma they experienced, but they are demanding that OSU take concrete steps to prevent future abuse. That includes reforming reporting procedures, increasing transparency, and holding those who enabled the abuse accountable.

How You Can Help

At Advocate Capital, we’re proud to support Public Justice in their mission. Their tireless work empowers survivors and helps ensure that no one is above accountability.

We encourage our friends, clients, and community to join us in supporting this important cause:

1.     Watch and share Surviving Ohio State on HBO Max to amplify survivor voices.

2.     Read and share the OSU survivors’ official response to the documentary and their call to action.

3.     Support Public Justice by donating or becoming a member at publicjustice.net.

About Donna A. Jones

Donna Jones is the President at Advocate Capital, which became a part of Pinnacle in 2019. Ms. Jones is a member of the Board of Directors of Advocate Capital and serves as a member of the Credit Committee. Her responsibilities include education and training of Advocate Capital staff regarding civil litigation, coaching new clients on the fundamentals of Advocate’s online services, as well as its proprietary software application, AdvoTrac®, and all activities related to existing and prospective clients.