Representative Ross Ford

Hi, I’m Ross Ford and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 76th District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

59th Legislature

News & Announcements


Oct 6, 2023
Recent Posts

Ford Studies Ways to Help Domestic Violence Victims

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, this week held an interim study on finding ways to better assist domestic violence victims and to address the generational impact of such abuse. IS23-051 was heard Wednesday by the House Judiciary – Criminal Committee. "As a former police officer, I unfortunately saw too many victims caught in the heartbreaking cycle of domestic violence," Ford said. "I've long have wanted to find ways to stop the devastation I witnessed and to break this destructive cycle. "My hope was by gathering numerous subject-matter experts, we can help understand the patterns that lead to this abuse, which can often be generational, and to find adequate ways to improve our support of victims while prosecuting the perpetrators of these crimes. "I'm grateful to the presenters who helped each of us have a much fuller understanding of why domestic violence exists and policies we can consider that will better help victims and stop this cycle going forward." Presenters at the study included several women who shared insight from a victim's perspective. Angie Bowker-Felts spoke on the generational cycle of abuse and its impact, and Heather Crosley-Simon presented "sin by silence: a family's tragedy." Current investigative methods and their impact on Oklahomans as well as potential improvements were shared by Joshua Patzkowski, a special agent and liaison for missing and murdered indigenous people with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI); Lt. Amanda Miller, assistant special agent in charge at OSBI; and Stacey Todd, assistant United States attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma who works in the Special Victims Unit and on child exploitation cases.  Discussing domestic violence statistics for Oklahoma were Anthony Hernandez Rivera, who service as program manager for the Victim Services Unit with the Oklahoma attorney general's office; and Susan Laib, director of the Victim Advocacy and Service Unit with the Oklahoma attorney general's office. Addressing intimate partner violence and systemic change were Kendra Zoellner, PhD and an associate professor of social work at Northeastern State University; and Gloria Miller, a founder of Community Faculty with the University of Oklahoma.  Brandi Woods-Littlejohn, program manager for personal health and rape prevention with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, spoke on healthy relationships. Ashley Nix, director of the Special Victims Unit with the Tulsa County district attorney's office, detailed expanding services, protections and prevention.  Kasey Magness, a forensic nurse administrator with the Tulsa Police Department, spoke about the benefits of proper examinations and care and how this can support the work of district attorneys in helping to enhance punishments for perpetrators of this crime.  Matthew E. Level, director of operations for the Court Assistance Program, discussed deficiencies in the current system for mental health and substance abuse defendants.  Domestic violence in Tulsa County and ways to improve were addressed by Suzann Stewart, executive director of the Family Safety Center; and Lori Aery Gonzales, vice president of advocacy services for Domestic Violence Intervention Services.  Presenting on the topic of breaking the cycle of domestic abuse were three executives from Palomar OKC: Kim Garrett, chief visionary officer and founder; Hillary Burkholder, chief executive officer; and Anden Bull, chief operating officer. Closing remarks were provided by Rep. Ford and Committee Chairman Rep. Rande Worthen, R-Lawton. 



Sep 25, 2023
Recent Posts

Date Set for Ford Study on Domestic Violence Victims

OKLAHOMA CITY – A date has been set for Rep. Ross Ford’s interim study on finding ways to better assist domestic violence victims and to address the generational impact of such abuse. Interim study IS23-051 is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Oct. 4 in Room 450 at the State Capitol, 2300 N Lincoln Blvd. It will be heard by the House Judiciary – Criminal Committee. "I've talked with countless individuals and organizations who are excited to help Oklahomans and offered their assistance in any way. Together I'm hoping these subject-matter experts can help us understand what works and how better we can help these victims," said Ford, R-Broken Arrow. “I want to look at early intervention, programs that will help empower victims to leave their attackers before it is too late, and that help show what healthy relationships look like." Ford, a former police officer, said one area of focus will be how domestic violence forensic examinations can provide much needed support for district attorneys to help enhance punishments for perpetrators of this crime.  Ford said his study is made even more timely with recent news reports that show Oklahoma now ranks highest in domestic violence for both men and women and third in the U.S. for the number of women killed by their significant others. In addition, the Oklahoma Coalition for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault is no longer operating after a loss of federal funding. This came after a federal audit found misspending of public funds by former staff and board members.  "I think with the position we've found ourselves in, it's imperative we don't just try to go back to the old method that allowed our state to rank the highest in domestic violence," Ford said. "Instead, we must look at a variety of options and organizations to try and break the generational cycle of abuse our state is in. While it is important to look after the victims, I want to ensure we are also doing what we can to help educate and prevent future victims." Rep. Ford appreciates all those who have contacted his office already. He encourages anyone else wanting to join the conversation to attend the interim study or continue reaching out to his office either to his email at  Ross.Ford@okhouse.gov  or by calling (405) 557-7347.



Aug 28, 2023
Recent Posts

Ford Offers Help to Combat Threats to Union Schools

Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, vowed to help track down those who have made recent bomb threats made against several schools in the Union Public Schools district. “I will work with law enforcement in any I can way to help protect the young people and teachers in our public schools and to ensure these perpetrators are punished to the fullest extent of the law,” Ford said. “I take very seriously the matter of school security and will not abide threats made against our children or our educators. Students, parents and all educators deserve schools that are free from violence and the threat of violence. “We must be vigilant to foster an environment where youth can thrive as they learn. I and many other lawmakers have worked hard to support our public schools with increased funding for our classrooms and teacher pay raises as well as many other policy changes intended to boost student academic success. We will not abide these threats of harm against the innocent.” Ford, a former Tulsa Police officer, served as director of security for Union Public Schools and was a former school board member. His House district includes the Union Public Schools district.