Human Trafficking Awareness Month
DID YOU KNOW THAT STALKING AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING SHARED AN AWARENESS MONTH? CHECK OUT THIS ISSUE TO LEARN A BIT ABOUT BOTH!
Stalking Kit needs:
- Notepad/stalking incident log
- pens
- flashlights
- whistles
- pepper spray
- paper bags
- disposable gloves
Did you know that stalking is the most common co-occurring victimization of all of the ones that EPEC serves? That means that more often than not, when a survivor discloses sexual assault or domestic violence, they are likely also being stalked. It’s important to note that stalking is not limited to physically following someone, stalking can also look like:
- inappropriate gifts
- repeated phone calls/messages
- using apps or other means to follow or keep tabs on you
- soliciting others to keep tabs on you or send you messages
- physical threats
- damaging property
- spreading rumors
Did you know that 76% of victims who were murdered were stalked first? So what can you do? Contact EPEC. We have full time advocates who understand the law and best steps to take when stalking is occurring. Advocates at EPEC are available 24/7 to safety plan and even accompany survivors to court to file a protective order specific to matters of stalking called a Personal Safety Order or PSO. EPEC is even working on the state level to update the stalking code in WV to include other forms of stalking outside of physical following. If you or someone you know is being stalked, take it seriously and call EPEC – we believe you.
You can also contact EPEC about sponsoring a stalking kit or providing items for them. Items needed can be found above.
Click here to view a PDF of the West Virginia Spotlight: 2018 National Human Trafficking Hotline Statistics
UPCOMING
- January 2020. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month and Stalking Awareness Month!
- January 18. EPEC’s Paint-n-Sip fundraiser – see info below and/or our Facebook for more information and details!
- 2020. Berkeley County and Jefferson County Support groups – see below and our Facebook page for details!
- February 6. Morgan County Support groups to launch and maintain an every other week rotation!
- February 21. EPEC’s annual Sock Hop to support safe nights for survivors – see below for details!
Paint-n-Sip Day
Saturday, January 18, 2020
1-3 pm and 4-6 pm
Martinsburg Elks Lodge 778
121 E. King St.
Martinsburg, WV 25401
$40 / person
Classes taught by
1-3 pm: Paint & Sip with Angela
4-6 pm: Musselman High School Art Department
Reserve your seat via Eventbrite
Berkeley County Peer Support Group
A peer support group for domestic violence victims and survivors
January-June 2020 Schedule
- January 7
- January 21
- February 4
- February 18
- March 3
- March 17
- March 31
- April 14
- April 28
- May 12
- May 26
- June 9
- June 23
Meeting are held at the Berkeley County office at 236 W. Martin St., Martinsburg, WV from 5-6:30 pm. Check our Facebook page for schedule updates or to message with questions, or call (304) 263-8522.
New Year, New You!
A “come as you are” peer support group for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors and allies.
113 East Third Avenue, Ranson, WV
Every Other Thursday
5:30-6:30 PM
Find our schedule on the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center Facebook page!
Direct questions to Community Coordinator, MK, at commcoordinator@swcinc.org or call Advocates Amanda and Cammy at (304) 725-7080.
4th Annual Sock Hop Benefit Dance and Charity Auction
Friday, February 21, 2020
6-11 PM
Town Run Brewing Company
202 E. Washington St.
Shepherdstown, WV
Admission with donation at the door
All proceeds benefit Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center in support of survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking
- Dance lessons by Check Happy Productions at 6 pm
- Live music by The New Rocketeers
- Rick Rohn Disc Jockey Productions
