At our Margaret’s Place-Joe Torre Safe At Home program, WJCS created, with the help of our youth Peer Leaders, a special campaign in October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to spread the messages that our words have the power to support survivors of domestic violence, ask important questions, and reach out for help.
WJCS Margaret’s Place is situated in White Plains High School, Peekskill Middle School, and Cross Hill Academy in Yonkers. It encourages education and conversation about healthy relationships as well as trauma, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), Domestic Violence (DV), and counseling for trauma and DV-exposed youth. Cross Hill Academy (Yonkers) encourages education about relationship violence, as well as counseling conducted by a social worker who is trained in trauma and domestic violence intervention.
As part of the October campaign, students and staff led informative and fun activities throughout their schools, including murals and student pledge drives, photo booths with “power” words, and writing contests about DV/IPV.
Antonio Sandoval, White Plains High School
Despair
This conte crayon drawing illustrates how every year, more than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their homes.
Graciela Plaza, White Plains High School
Facade
This charcoal portrait illustrates the idea that many people who suffer domestic violence never report it and must internalize it.
Fatima Guijosa, White Plains High School
Restriction
This acrylic painting illustrates how consumed someone feels due to domestic violence.
Sofia Sanchez, White Plains High School
Isolation
This mixed media work depicts the feeling of isolation that someone experiences while going through domestic violence.
Graciela Plaza, White Plains High School
Facade
This charcoal portrait illustrates the idea that many people who suffer domestic violence never report it and must internalize it.
Aleksa Bobber, White Plains High School
Domestic Abuse
This graphite drawing depicts the emotion and horror that people face due to domestic violence.
Click here to watch an interview with Joe and Ali Torre, and Margaret’s Place staff and students.
