The partnership of Ohio County Schools and YWCA Wheeling has been of great benefit to the students of the school system.
YWCA representatives work closely with each of Ohio County’s 13 public schools to address issues such as cultural diversity and community outreach, family and dating violence prevention and youth empowerment. YWCA Cultural Diversity and Community Outreach Director Ron Scott is a frequent speaker throughout the schools where he discusses diversity and black history. Scott’s presentations this year during Black History Month were very well received by students.
YWCA Teen Dating Violence Advocate Haley Reed is finishing her first year serving at Wheeling Park High School. At Park, her role involves educating students on healthy relationships and teaching them the warning signs of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Looking to break the taboo of this topic and the cycle of violence, the YWCA Wheeling offers education, prevention and support services to Ohio County Schools students addressing sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.
According to the YWCA Wheeling:
– 57 percent of teens have friends who have experienced dating violence.
– Only 33 percent of teens who are in an abusive relationship tell someone.
– About one in five female high school students report being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner.
“Knowledge is truly empowering when it comes to teen dating violence,” said Molly Holden, Family Violence Prevention Program Director. “When students are aware of the boundaries, it helps them better deal with and recognize unhealthy patterns in their relationships before it takes a violent turn”
Reed said she enjoyed her first year at Park, but she noted that COVID-19 made it difficult for her to engage students as much as she had hoped. However, she said she plans to expand her visibility in the 2021-2022 school year as the school moves closer to normalcy.
“This year went really well given the circumstances,” Reed said. “I hope to do more with the students and staff in my second year, but students are becoming more comfortable in talking. There is a need, and it’s important for (students) to know that they may be in an unsafe situation. They also need to know that they have someone to talk to and that there are also supports in place for them.”
Wheeling Park High School Mental Health Specialist Jill Maloney said she enjoys working with Reed and that Reed is truly an asset for Patriot students.
“She’s wonderful, and she truly wants to help,” Maloney said. “Haley is not afraid to be active in the school. She’s outgoing, and she reaches out to the students and teachers. She cares about the kids, and the kids relate to her.”
YWCA Wheeling has a 24-hour emergency safe shelter for women and children. YWCA also offers a 24-hour staffed crisis hotline. If you are in need of assistance, please call toll free at 1-800-698-1247 or 304-232-2748.