GLENVILLE, W.Va. – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Throughout the month, Glenville State University has held several events to connect faculty, staff, and students in raising awareness about and working to prevent domestic violence issues.

Earlier in October, the campus Title IX office partnered with Public Safety staff and HOPE, Inc. to host a sexual violence prevention program called “These Hands Don’t Hurt.” Individuals from across campus came together to place a painted handprint on a large canvas, signifying that their hands would not be used to harm others and that they were a safe person for victims of domestic violence to trust. The finished banner was put on display near the Robert F. Kidd Library. Information was also available at the event, including for the Purple Light Project. Purple lights are a symbol of support for victims of domestic violence.

“I was very pleased with the turnout to our ‘These Hands Don’t Hurt’ event. We have been unable to host these types of events on campus over the last couple of years due to COVID, so it was important to again put that awareness and our resources out in front of the campus community so they know help is available,” said Glenville State’s Title IX Coordinator, Tegan McEntire. “Domestic violence awareness is a very important issue all year, not just in October.”

HOPE, Inc. provides resources and services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking to ensure safety, encourage self-sufficiency, and promote a life free of violence in Marion, Harrison, Doddridge, Gilmer, and Lewis Counties in West Virginia.

“I appreciate our friends at HOPE, Inc. for helping with this event and encourage the use of their resources for those in need,” McEntire added.

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact the HOPE, Inc. 24-Hour Helpline at (304) 367-1100, the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (800) 656-HOPE, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE.