Beckley, WV (WOAY) – October 2024’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month is built on the theme ‘Heal, Hold and Center.’
According to the Domestic Violence Awareness Project, it’s about the ways we can heal from violence and oppression, hold space for survivors and center the marginalized in our efforts to end domestic violence.
That’s just what AWAY did today at its 34th annual candlelight vigil.
It’s a pervasive and often deadly problem across West Virginia… intimate partner physical and sexual violence, and intimate partner stalking. It could be a friend or neighbor.
“Could be a co-worker, it could be a family member. You know, everyone knows someone who is affected by domestic violence,” said executive director Reginia Thomas. “When you have one in four women, one in nine men; the statistics are pretty alarming of how often this happens.”
We cannot slow down, we cannot stop and must continue to be diligent and vigilant in our efforts to end domestic and family violence.
“This program is about the fact that at any time anyone can become a victim of domestic violence,” Raleigh County outreach victim advocate Tina Nelson said. “It doesn’t matter how well educated you are, how much money you have.”
AWAY serves Raleigh, Fayette, Summers and Nicholas counties.
“Just know that there is a place for you to reach out to get help and have support,” said director of outreach Samantha Sizemore.
“We have a 24/7 crisis hotline, 365 days of the year. If you’re thinking about leaving, definitely reach out to us,” Thomas said.
We can’t bury our heads in the sand and think this doesn’t exist because it does. It’s about doing the right thing for crime victims.
“In the end, we all have the same goal. The victims are heard and assisted, the perpetrators are held accountable and our community is safe,” said Legal Aid of West Virginia legal assistant Karen Nichols.
There was an outpouring from all those who showed up and championed the cause and message.
“This is a passion of mine and it just makes my heart happy because the community is coming together, showing that support and raising awareness,” Sizemore said.
Domestic violence is in our backyards, it’s in our community, so talk to an AWAY advocate.
“Get a safety plan going because it is the most dangerous when a victim is trying to leave her abuser, said Thomas. “But if you have that safety plan in place and you work with an advocate, it does make it a little bit easier.”
REACH OUT TO AWAY
https://www.awaywv.org
304-255-2559
