YWCA Commemorates Domestic Violence Awareness Month
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A section of Jefferson Avenue in Moundsville was filled with YWCA staff and other community organizations on Wednesday evening to spread awareness and information about domestic violence in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Organizers and attendees of the Domestic Violence Awareness Block Party sported purple, which Ashley Taylor, Marshall County YWCA Outreach Advocate, noted is meant to represent a "dedication to ending domestic violence."
Taylor said the block party was one method for the YWCA and other local service organizations to inform the general public about domestic violence and raise awareness.
"We want people in domestic violence situations to know the YWCA is here to help them," Taylor said. "We also want the general public to be able to know where to go if they ever need information or services.
In addition to providing educational opportunities for the community, the block party also offered activities for residents. Pumpkin painting, face painting, prizes and cotton candy were available for free for attendees to enjoy. Taylor noted the event also supplied "lots of candy" to celebrate Halloween.
"Even if this event just lets one person out there know there's somebody here that can help them, that help can spread like wildfire," Taylor said. "Hopefully, people will utilize our services, know they don't have to be in certain situations, and know there's help out there."
Jennifer Sorg, director of the YWCA Family Violence Prevention Program, noted the block party also coincided with the organization's Week Without Violence, which is meant to "raise awareness and elevate survivor voices." She said that the organization had not conducted any fundraising this week and "focused solely on domestic violence awareness."
Sorg added the organization also wanted the community to be aware of its various services, including staffing teen dating violence advocates in Ohio, Marshall and Wetzel county schools, and providing court advocates to assist with domestic violence protective orders.
"The YWCA works with everyone, not just females," Sorg noted. "We have a lot of information and phone numbers if someone needs help. They can call us, and we can refer them to the resources, shelters and anything else they need."
Other organizations with booths at the party included the Marshall County Family Resource Network, the Marshall County Outreach Office, Youth Services System, the Marshall County Sheriff's Office and the Moundsville Police Department.
Sorg noted it was important for first responders to be represented at the event, as they are often the first to encounter and mitigate domestic violence situations.
Brad Littleton, Marshall County Sheriff's Office Domestic Violence officer, said the most recent statistics for domestic violence in the state showed Marshall County was leading the state with the highest domestic ratings.
"I haven't seen this year's statistics to know if they have dropped," Littleton said. "Since I have been in this position, I have not dealt with as many domestic violence orders, also known as restraining orders, as I have in the past couple of years."
Littleton attributed the "downward trend" he observed of domestic violence in the area partly to more public awareness of the issue.
"It's nice to see that we're getting out in the public more, so more residents are talking about domestic violence," Littleton said. "When the topic is more in the limelight, it helps those who may be in domestic violence situations become aware of the options available to them and hopefully get out of the situation. It's really nice to see that progress."