×
X logo

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox.

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)

You may opt-out anytime by clicking "unsubscribe" from the newsletter or from your account.

YWCA of Wheeling Remembers Domestic Violence Victims

Photo by Drew Parker Ashley Taylor, court advocate for the YWCA of Wheeling presents information for Domestic Violence Awareness month at the Marshall County Courthouse.

At the Marshall County Courthouse, an empty chair and plate sit alone by the entrance in honor of those who will not be at their family’s table this year because of domestic violence.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and to honor lives lost, local advocates are working to keep victims alive while preventing future abuse.

According to Ashley Taylor, court advocate for the YWCA of Wheeling, Marshall County courthouse staff are doing their part to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, including a table display on the first floor of the building.

“Our display stands for (the fact) domestic violence in the home leads to an empty chair at the dinner table,” Taylor said. “I do the display every year for awareness. On the board, I have a list of 22 cases, each representing a homicide from October 2015 to Sept. 30, 2016. A lot of people will see it coming out of different offices and it’s a pretty impactful message.”

Taylor said she also attended a John Marshall High School football game earlier this month, during which a moment of silence was held for victims of domestic violence. She added the YWCA had an information booth and several community members stopped to ask questions about services.

“A lot of people don’t know there’s help out there,” she said. “We’re trying to prevent more incidents in the future and continue to keep the numbers down.”

Taylor added the YWCA offers support groups, court advocacy for adults and children, crisis intervention and emergency shelters, along with education and awareness programs for victims in need.

According to Marshall County Prosecutor Rhonda Wade, the biggest issue her staff faces when dealing with domestic violence is making victims feel safe enough to cooperate. She said the goal is to educate people about the issue from an early age.

“It’s a cyclical thing and if we can break that cycle, we’ll be making great headway. People who go through this think that they’re the only one and are isolated intentionally by their abusers,” Wade said. “Letting them know what resources are out there to get them out of their situation is important. … Sometimes they get the courage to call law enforcement, but by the time we get to the trial they’re afraid to cooperate.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today