The Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC) operating under Horizons Youth Services (HYS) recognized October Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October 31, 2013. Ms. Lisa Lewis, SPO Manager organized a female staff and student assembly with guest speaker Ms. Lakeisha Barron-Brown with the Putnam County Parole Dept. to speak on domestic violence. Ms. Barron shared personal stories, signs of domestic violence, and encouraged the audience to seek help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence.

Domestic Violence affects women every day. The statistics are alarming and here are a few:

• Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.
• Around the world, at least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime.
• Most often, the abuser is a member of her own family.
• Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.
• Studies suggest that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually.
• Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a breakup.

The Charleston Job Corps Center is actively involved in bringing our students information that can affect their lives to help them make healthy choices. If you or someone you know suffers from domestic violence, please seek help by contacting the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence 5004 Elk River Road, South; Elkview, WV 25071 at 304-965-3552.