October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and YWCA Wheeling has organized two events to spread the message.
First, a “Domestic Violence Strikeout” bowling event will be held at St. Clair Lanes from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today. This event is sponsored by the St. He Tri-County Help Center in Clairsville and YWCA Wheeling, with bowling and shoe rental costs covered by YWCA Wheeling.
Reservations can be made by calling St. Clair Lanes at 740-695-3641.
Next, a Domestic Violence Awareness Walk is set for Thursday, Oct. 26, at noon. The walk begins at his YWCA building at 1100 Chaplin Street and continues to Wheeling’s waterfront.
Participants are asked to wear purple to show support for victims of domestic violence. There will be resources and exhibits, as well as purple popcorn from Mmm Popcorn.
Jennifer Sorg, YMCA Wheeling’s Domestic Violence Prevention Director, explained that the event helps the organization let the public know that services, assistance and domestic violence are available if needed.
“The YWCA has a domestic violence shelter that provides services through safety planning and referrals,” she said.
He added that the YWCA also employs court advocates who help domestic violence victims, teen dating advocates, and child advocates who work with middle school students on issues such as bullying.
“We have support groups for anger management,” Sorg added. “We also do visitation and monitoring activities for the children.”
She said tonight’s bowling event is the first time YWCA Wheeling has partnered with the Tri-County Help Center to host an event.