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Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Relationships today look different than they did even a decade ago — especially for teens. Smartphones, texting, and social media are a big part of how young people connect, express affection, and navigate their relationships. But technology can be used for care , connection , and community  — or it can become a tool for control, harassment, and digital abuse. That’s why digital safety is a crucial piece of healthy relationship education t

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month – February 10 Today, our team at Branches is wearing orange in honor of Wear Orange Day , a nationwide initiative during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. You’ll see us sharing a collage of our staff dressed in orange as a visible reminder that everyone deserves safe, respectful, and healthy relationships—especially our teens. Teen dating violence is more common than many people realize. According to love is respect , 1 in 3 U.S. teens

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month , a time to raise awareness about how abuse can show up in young people’s relationships. While teens may not live together or share finances like adults, they still experience domestic violence — and the impact can be just as serious and lasting. Teen dating violence happens when one person uses power and control to harm, intimidate, or manipulate their partner. It can occur in any type of relationship and affects teens of all

January is National Stalking Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about stalking and the lasting impact it has on survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking. One of the greatest — and least known — safety tools available is the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP). What Is the Address Confidentiality Program? The Address Confidentiality Program is a state-run safety program that helps survivors keep their physical address private. I

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter is proud to announce that one of its own will be honored with a statewide advocacy award from the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence at their annual ceremony on Thursday, October 23rd. Branches’ Director of Development, Sara Blevins O’Toole, is the 2025 recipient of the Diane Reese Advocacy Award in recognition of her tireless effort in her eight years of working with survivors of domestic violence. Her unparalleled commitment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 23, 2025 CONTACT : Sara Blevins O’Toole Director of Development 304.529.2382 Blevins@branchesdvs.org FOR...

“I grew up in a small town thinking I understood what domestic violence was and what it looked like—but if you volunteer at Branches and...

When people think about domestic violence, they often imagine physical bruises and broken bones. But some of the deepest wounds left...

At Branches, healing doesn’t just happen inside the walls of our shelters—it also happens under open skies, hands in the soil, surrounded...

If you’re thinking about calling our 24/7 confidential hotline, you may be feeling anxious or unsure about what to expect. We want you to...

At Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, we are committed to breaking down barriers for survivors seeking justice. That’s why we are proud...

At Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools in preventing abuse —and that’s...

At Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, we know that a warm meal is more than just food—it’s comfort, kindness, and a reminder that...

HUNTINGTON, WV  – Branches Domestic Violence Shelter is proud to announce that Executive Director, Amanda Weiss-McComas has been honored...

Huntington, WV – As part of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, Branches Domestic Violence Shelter will host a special training...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 15, 2024   CONTACT : Sara Blevins O’Toole                                                                  ...

Huntington, WV  – On October 17th, at 2:00 PM , Branches Domestic Violence Shelter will hold a focus group discussion at the Cabell...

If you missed it, don't forget to check out our interview with WV Public Broadcasting to address the urgent need for increased funding to...

How many people do you interact with every week? For many people, it’s dozens: family, friends, coworkers, classmates. For others, the...