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Empower Hour – September 2019 Newsletter

Shelter Needs

Greetings supporters, we are back and, as always, looking for your support. Our current shelter needs include:

  • Air mattresses
  • Bedding (pillows, sheets, blankets, comforter sets, etc.) Ethnic hair care products
  • Bottles of body wash
  • Body lotion
  • Laundry detergent
  • Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, etc.)

All donations are deductible and can be dropped off at any one of our three locations in Berkeley, Jefferson, or Morgan County!

September is Sexual Health Awareness Month

The concept of sexual health encompasses a myriad of important topics ranging from physical sexual health to emotional sexual health. As EPEC has a responsibility in awareness and prevention alike on this issue, we’re going to take a closer look at how sexual health can and does intersect with interpersonal violence. Psychological/physical abuse, rape, and murder are potential outcomes one can experience while involved in a domestic violence relationship. In addition to these outcomes disproportionately affecting women, they are also subject to negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes.Understanding interpersonal violence is a critical piece of sexual and reproductive health rights.

The CDC describes sexual violence as an attempted or committed sexual act perpetrated against a person who has not freely given consent or is unable to refuse. This includes rape, other forced or unwanted sexual contact, and unprotected sexual contact to purposefully expose an intimate partner to STIs, including HIV.

Additionally, related to sexual and interpersonal violence are instances of reproductive control or coercion. Maintaining control over one’s partner in instances specifically related to reproductive control include: threats, intimidation, contraceptive sabotage, unwanted/pressured pregnancy that includes carrying an unwanted baby to term, and forced abortion. All aforementioned instances can and do result in negative health outcomes.

Teaching youth about physical, sexual, and spiritual health as it relates to relationships in their lives is important. Many adults experiencing these issues may not be privy to the conversation either. So, what can you do? You can contact EPEC. We have full time prevention staff that is equipped to speak about these topics in a school or group setting appropriate to the target age group. In addition, we have several full time advocates equally as experienced in offering resources and support for adults who have questions or need more comprehensive support.

Need Help?

Are you or someone you know currently involved in an abusive relationship and need to talk? EPEC is here with comprehensive safety planning and local resources – you can reach an advocate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling our hotline: (304) 263-8292. All services are free and confidential.

Berkeley Co. Support Groups: Located @ Berkeley Co. location from 5:00pm – 6:30pm

  • Tuesday Sept. 24
  • Tuesday October 8
  • Tuesday October 22

Upcoming Events

  • October 6. Morgan County’s “Path to Empowerment” Domestic Violence Awareness Month event.
  • October 13. Berkeley County’s Candlelight Vigil in solidarity of survivors for Domestic Violence Awareness Month @ War Memorial Park from 4 – 6pm.
  • October 19. Join us at our annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Block Party.
  • October 2nd and 16th. EPEC’s HelpRoom is live! Our online support group is held the first and third Wednesday of the month.
  • November 1. Join us at EPEC’s annual Masquerade Gala for a night of fun.