Prevention of domestic violence is the goal

Walkers traveled through Charles Town and Ranson Saturday morning to raise funds for and awareness of domestic violence. Photo by Toni Milbourne.
CHARLES TOWN — More than 150 individuals turned out Saturday morning to take a stand against domestic violence and to participate in a fundraising and awareness walk.
The event, the fifth annual Walk Against Domestic Violence, was organized by Voices Against Domestic Violence, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to advocate for healthy families and healthy homes, free of violence and abuse.
The nonprofit was formed in 2012 by Patricia Greenley, who now serves as the executive director, along with her husband, Joseph Greenley.
During the event, Joseph said the couple formed the group after facing an attack at the hands of Patricia’s former husband, who had entered her home despite a protective order. Patricia, Joseph said, had faced a life of domestic violence for years; however, she finally escaped. After surviving that final attack by her ex-husband, Patricia and Joseph worked to form Voices Against Domestic Violence, to bring assistance to others facing the same types of attack.
The walk was a fundraising event to help the group move forward with plans to provide shelter for those seeking to escape threats of domestic violence.
“We have been able to purchase property. Our goal is to build three houses on that property,” Joseph said, mentioning those houses would be a safe place for victims of domestic violence to find shelter and assistance in escaping their attackers.
Several groups set up tables at the event, to provide information about their organizations that could in any way assist those facing domestic violence. Among them were Rock Spring Church and Young Lives.
Danielle Truax, with Rock Spring, said the church will be hosting a Quarter Auction fundraiser on Oct. 13, with proceeds going to the Voices Against Domestic Violence cause.
In addition, author Misty Harris had copies of her book, “The Broken Woman,” available for purchase at the event. Harris described her book of reflection as a “message of hope” to those facing domestic violence and other hardships.
“It’s a message of how my faith got me through,” Harris said. “I was a victim of domestic violence, child abuse, rape and self-destruction.”
According to Joseph, Voices Against Domestic Violence is entirely volunteer driven. There is a board of directors, who oversee the organizational aspects. The nonprofit works to provide support through prayer, encouragement, resources and information to those seeking to escape domestic violence. They also offer assistance with food, clothing and shelter when necessary, and provide educational workshops and seminars to help victims begin anew.
The most significant need for the group, according to Joseph, is to have an individual knowledgeable in grant writing to assist them. Their goal of providing the safe houses for victims, he said, will hopefully come to fruition within the next three years, but, with grants, the work could be done sooner.
Monetary donations are always welcome, as are items such as furniture, clothing, personal care items, grocery store and retail store gift cards and gas cards. Volunteer services are also welcome.
Tax deductible donations may be made at ViocesAgainstDomesticViolence.org or to VADV, P.O. Box 1126 Charles Town, WV 25414.