Arrests of people in power can erode public trust: advocates.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A central Ohio man whose job it is to protect the community is now facing nearly 60 sexual assault-related charges.

“One of the first things that comes to mind for me with a situation like this is a reminder that unfortunately, the reality is all kinds of people in our communities perpetrate harm and that includes people in various different roles and law enforcement is not immune to that," Taylr Ucker-Lauderman, chief engagement officer with the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, said.

She did not discuss Davis' case specifically but said situations like this can be difficult for communities.

“I think situations like this absolutely hurt trust," Ucker-Lauderman said. "This is an example of some of the reasons we think survivors sometimes don't report sexual violence."

She encouraged people to learn about ways to support survivors. So did Terra Purdy, manager with OhioHealth's Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio.

“Believe survivors, believe them when they tell you and from there, that's where the trust is built," Purdy said. "You believe them, you’re empowering them, you’re supporting them and it's easier to get help, it's easier to promote healing and to foster that healing relationship for both of you, the survivor and co-survivor.”

She also did not talk specifically about the Davis case but said situations like these can make SARNCO's and other groups' work harder.

"It does, it absolutely does, we do face that where we as an organization have to say, 'Hey, there are still good people out there and there are still people you can trust' and it kind of does create that added barrier, but places like SARNCO and rape crisis across the state know the mission is to build that trust," Purdy said.