Oct 8, 2015 3 min read

WAYNESBURG – Support counselors trying to help victims of domestic violence are using the month of October to shift from raising awareness about the issue to pushing preventative measures.

Cheryl McCready, the satellite office coordinator for Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania, said her organization is working to change the mindset of the community as more people openly speak about domestic violence.

Publicity of celebrities involved high-profile domestic cases in recent years has stirred the national discussion on the issue and brought it out from the shadows, McCready said, allowing counselors to focus on how to prevent it from happening.

“One big change is people are able to talk about it now,” McCready said. “We’re bringing it out from behind closed doors and out of the home to talk about it. That’s a good thing.”

The Greene County commissioners during their Thursday morning meeting gave McCready and her organization a proclamation declaring October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The organization serves residents living in Greene, Washington and Fayette counties.

The domestic violence problem that exists in Greene County is no different than urban and suburban areas, McCready said, although the isolation and lack of transportation can sometimes trap victims from getting the help they need.

The organization helps an average of 250 people in Greene County each year by offering counseling, shelters, safety plans and 24-hour phone support.

The organization works to empower and gives them option, but does not tell them what decisions they ultimately should make, McCready said.

“Empowering someone and helping them with self-esteem is a big thing,” she said.

McCready said in recent years they’ve begun engaging students in area schools to make them aware of dating violence, cyberbullying and domestic violence at home in an attempt to break the destructive cycle. Their presentations in schools are working to show children that no form of violence should be tolerated, especially at home.

“(People) are becoming more aware of it so now we’re trying to prevent it,” she said. “Violence is a learned behavior, so we’re saying it can be unlearned.”

Of course, not all the scars are visible.

“Emotional abuse can sometimes be worse,” she said. “Black and blue marks go away and bones heal, but that psychological damage can be there forever.”

McCready said they are also using this month to help people know what services they offer and how to reach them. The organization has women’s shelters in Washington and Uniontown, and offers transportation to victims who need it.

More info about the organization and its programs can be found at www.peacefromdv.org.