BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – Paying it forward, AWAY (formerly the Women’s Resource Center) invites you to its third annual Purple Halo Gala “Havana Nights” to support victims of domestic and sexual violence.
Each year they choose a recipient who is a huge ambassador for the organization and a huge ally for the victims.
“Advocates just sing her praises. Our victims that we serve just love Marie Bechtel because she’s very straightforward and gets things done for our victims,” said Executive Director Reginia Thomas. “She works with Legal Aid West Virginia and Jobs of Hope. She’s had a deep connection with our organization and the clients we serve.”
When you look at the number of victims AWAY advocates for (in 2023 there were more than 1,200) more than 1,500 crisis calls, and more than 2,000 nights in their shelter, community involvement helps them help the victims. This fundraiser fills in the gaps (like a driver’s license, social security card or birth certificate) that grants don’t cover. A victim leaving an abusive relationship doesn’t think of those things.
“They’re just trying to get on their feet because maybe they’ve been in financial abuse. They haven’t had access to a bank account, a car, or a job,” Thomas said, adding that when they come to the shelter, finally on their own — getting their apartment and things we may take for granted, something as simple as a bed and bed frame for them and their children, pots and pans, cleaning supplies — fundraising dollars AWAY acquires helps pay for those. “That’s critical and crucial for helping our victims.”
Victims who get out of an abusive relationship fearing for their lives have endless support when they land at AWAY. Thomas calls the organization’s advocates rock stars, boots on the ground, in this fight daily. They help the victims every step of the way.
“File a domestic violence petition, divorce packet, go with them to the courtroom as a support system they may not have had in the past,” said the executive director.
The statistics are scary: one in four women and one in nine men experience physical or domestic violence. According to Thomas, working for AWAY changed her perspective on the statement: ‘Why don’t they just leave’ when abusers kill 70 to 75 percent of women as they try to exit the relationship or soon after.
“That’s why it’s so important for victims and family members of victims (it could be a neighbor, coworker, or friend) getting the information out about us — because our advocates will help you safety plan. They will help get those steps in line so you can safely leave.”
TO LEARN MORE
What: Purple Halo Gala
When: Oct. 24 | 6-9:30 pm
Where: Historic Black Knight
https://www.awaywv.org/event/purple-halo-gala-2024
