Organizations uniting to combat violence
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (April 25, 2024) – There’s an event on the square tonight later this week to raise awareness about the different types of violence occurring within our community.
Take Back the Night is at 6:30, beginning with a short presentation on the county courthouse plaza and concluding with in support of those affected. COMPASS Executive Director Molly McMath and Victim Advocate Supervisor Melanie Anderson promoted the event during a recent meeting with the Tuscarawas County Commissioners.
“We are going to be hosting a ‘Take Back the Night’ event right here on the square to bring awareness to all violence in the county, and we’re partnering with Noah’s Hope and Harbor House and the prosecutor’s office to host that event.”
In addition to providing crisis intervention and counseling services to survivors of sexual assault, COMPASS has a team of prevention educators who visit area schools to talk with kids about healthy relationships.
“So many times kids do not know the signs of a healthy relationship. One of the areas that we see kids scoring low on the pre-test and even struggling to get an increase in knowledge is in the area of consent.”
April is recognized nationally as both sexual assault and child abuse prevention months. The commissioners have issued countywide declarations recognizing both occasions and encouraging residents to get involved.