Programs are presented free of charge. The Women's Resource Center has been providing violence-prevention education for many years, however, our educational efforts were mainly in response to requests for programs. In 1994, with the help of interested community members, we began to study the need for a pro-active education program. This past year, the project presented 128 programs to 2,607 teenagers. Those who need long-term counseling will be referred to Women's Resource Center counselors or other referral sources.
Education is the key to reducing the number of sexual assault victims in our community.
Perhaps the biggest project of this program is the development of five Coordinating Councils on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Meeting monthly in each of the New River Valley localities we serve, the Coordinating Councils are made up of various members of the criminal justice system, as well as victim advocates. Over 50 people are actively involved in these councils. The Coordinating Councils work to improve communication among service providers, with the ultimate goal of improving services to victims. In an effort to expand the community's understanding of the issues, the Community Development Program offers a variety of training opportunities.