T-L Photo/GAGE VOTA Tri-County Help Center’s Harrison County Legal Advocate Danielle Manback, left, and Monroe County Legal Advocate Lauren Hamilton lead the 27th annual Tri-County Help Center Domestic Violence Awareness March through the streets of St. Clairsville while residents from Belmont, Harrison and Monroe counties rally behind them holding signs expressing their support for domestic violence victims.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Even cool, raint weather couldn’t stop Tri-County Help Center’s 27th annual Domestic Violence Awareness March on Wednesday evening.

Several residents of Belmont, Harrison and Monroe counties marched through the streets of St. Clairsville to raise awareness for domestic violence. The walk started at the Tri-County Help Center’s St. Clairsville location and ended at the Belmont County Courthouse steps, where a brief presentation was held.

“I think it just goes to show how resilient our survivors are and how passionate the community is about standing against domestic violence that they would show up despite the rain and the cold or even if it’s not a convenient time,” Tri-County Help Center Sexual Assault Program Facilitator JaQue Galloway said.

She added that she believes the community’s willingness to brave the weather conditions speaks volumes to how much it supports survivors of domestic violence.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month as declared by the Belmont County Board of Commissioners at its meeting on Sept. 25.

Tri-County Help Center ​​Education Coordinator Megan Talkington added that she believes everyone knows somebody who is a victim of domestic abuse, even if they aren’t aware of that person’s struggles. She added that hosting events such as the march helps raise awareness and destigmatizes the conversation when speaking about domestic violence.

Sheila Driggs was the guest speaker and gave a monologue in remembrance of her 27-year-old daughter Leah Hines, who was murdered in her sleep by her boyfriend in 2021. Tyler Thompson was convicted of her murder in Noble County.

Driggs is the founder of the nonprofit organization Leah’s Wings. She said that she created the organization in hopes of potentially saving lives of domestic violence victims who feel like they don’t have the resources to escape their situation.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, it happens behind closed doors,” Driggs said. “What I tell people is if there’s an issue, get away. There is help out there. People think that we have time but our lives are short. We aren’t promised tomorrow, we’re not even promised five minutes from now, so if you’re in a situation there is help out there and don’t be afraid to ask.”

She added that she feels that a lot of victims feel trapped because they don’t have the resources to get away. So, they stay because they’re afraid they will lose their children or housing. Tri-County Help Center has a 24-hour emergency hotline that is answered by trained support staff who can provide crisis intervention, safety planning and referrals. To reach the emergency hotline, call 740-695-5441 or text BEGIN to 88788.

The help center also offers confidential sheltering at an undisclosed location where victims are able to feel safe as well as receive legal advice, counseling or case management in peace.

Although Driggs started the organization to raise awareness for domestic violence victims, she also uses the organization as a way to honor and memorialize her daughter Leah.

“I’m her voice now, so I’m going to be a voice for others,” Driggs said. “I’m going to continue being a voice and standing strong.”

In addition to speaking at events, Leah’s Wings hosted its first poker run on Sept. 14 in Powhatan Point. Driggs said that although Leah’s Wings started out on a local level, through the power of social media she has been able to spread the memory of her daughter Leah across the globe.

The event closed with Galloway and Tri-County Help Center Advocate Bethany Briggs reading the names of victims who have lost their lives to domestic violence in Belmont, Harrison and Monroe counties.

As the rain came down and the wind blew strong, residents marched back to the St. Clairsville location of Tri-County Help Center, where they were greeted with light snacks and refreshments provided by the staff of Tri-County Help Center.