JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio (WTRF) – Two organizations with a focus on sexual assault awareness and prevention came together Monday afternoon at Fort Steuben Park for their second continual “Bridging the Gap” ceremony.
The Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Center (SAHC) for West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle and ALIVE Inc. in Ohio work together to provide victims on both sides of the river the best care and advocacy.
The goal of the ceremony is to “Bridge the Gap” of sexual violence in our communities through advocacy and by educating people on the resources both organizations offer.
City officials from Steubenville and Weirton were there to show their support.
“It was nice to see both Mayors and City Managers come to give us a wonderful proclamation. And it just shows that we understand as a community that we are only separated by the river. Both of our communities’ struggle with the same issues.”
Jodi Scheetz | Director, ALIVE Inc.
“I think it shows that the Upper Ohio Valley and this particular area is so tight and they are so collective with each other. So, it’s really nice to see a plethora of representation. We know statistically that if we build the education and knowledge within the community, we tend to see a reduction in sexual violence and these harmful victimizations.”
Ashley Carpenter | Executive Director, Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Help Center
Both directors mentioned victims traveling between West Virginia and Ohio, making their partnership a vital aspect of providing the best resources and advocacy.
Details for Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Help Center
The Upper Ohio Valley SAHC serves people in Wetzel, Marshall, Ohio, Brooke and Hancock counties.
They offer free and confidential services to all victims of sexual violence. Some of the services they offer include Crisis Intervention, Supportive and Professional Counseling, Group Supportive Counseling, Prevention Education and Community Outreach and a Follow-up and Ongoing support program.
SAHC provides a 24-hour support hotline for victims in need that provides advocacy, intervention, resources, referrals and accompaniment to area hospitals for anyone affected by sexual violence.
Their 24-hour crisis hotline is (304)-234-1783 ext. 100.
For more details on their services, call their office and type in your county’s specific extension or visit their website by following this link.
Next Wednesday, April 24, SAHC is partnering with Primanti Bros. in Weirton for a dine to donate event. 20% of event sales will be donated to the center.
Details for ALIVE Inc. Ohio
ALIVE Inc. is considered a dual advocacy organization for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence and their children.
They provide alternatives to living in violent environments (ALIVE) by offering victims in Jefferson County emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis hotline and advocacy services.
Some of their advocacy services include court, legal, housing, and financial advocacy.
ALIVE Inc also offers support groups, community education, referrals, and emergency 911 cell phones.
For more details, visit their website by following this link.
24-hour domestic violence hotline: (740)-283-3444 or 1 (888) -611-SAFE.
24-hour sexual violence hotline: (740)-512-6092.
This Thursday & Friday, ALIVE Inc is hosting a Domestic and Sexual Violence Training featuring presenter Mark Wynn (see flyer below for details).
For free registration, visit their website. The last day to register is April 12.
