Harrison County Commissioners declare October Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The Harrison County Commissioners recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month during their Oct. 1 meeting, adopting Resolution 37-25 as presented by Danielle Manbeck and JaQue Galloway of Tri-County Help Center.

“We have a variety of awareness campaigns to educate community members on the prevalence of abuse and to encourage people to take action to end the abuse,” Manbeck said.

She announced this year’s theme as Domestic Violence is Everyone’s Business and said it reflects the idea that everyone has a role in addressing domestic violence, whether through reporting, advocating for policy changes or participating in community programs.

The commissioners’ meeting also marked the launch of the center’s 31 Days 31 Ways campaign. “We will be posting one picture per day on our Facebook page of individuals, agencies and organizations holding a sign with this year’s theme, and each photo will highlight 31 ways to advocate for survivors,” Manbeck said.

Galloway said Tri-County Help Center will also participate in social media events, in-person activities and the National Week of Action beginning Oct. 12, designed to further engage the public and partners in a national conversation about domestic violence. A Field of Flags is on display at the Belmont and Monroe County courthouses and at the Harrison County TCHC office.

Statistics included in the resolution highlighted the prevalence and impact of abuse. One in four women and one in seven men are likely to experience domestic violence in their lifetime. One in three teenagers and one in 15 children are exposed to it. Commissioner Dustin Corder read additional figures: “The most dangerous time for a victim is when they leave their abuser, at 70 times more likely to be murdered after leaving an abusive partner, and 72% of murder-suicides involve intimate partners.”

The resolution also noted that domestic violence is the third leading cause of homelessness and carries an economic impact of 3.6 trillion dollars over victims’ lifetimes, including costs for medical care, lost wages and court involvement.

As part of its local observance, TCHC will host a free self-defense class for survivors at 5 p.m. Oct. 14 at the St. Clairsville Rec Center. Space is limited and registration is required by calling the center. 

The public is invited to take part in the Annual Domestic Violence Awareness March at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 15, beginning at the St. Clairsville TCHC office, 104 ½ N. Marietta St. The center also encourages residents to wear purple Oct. 16 for Purple Thursday in support of survivors.