In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Pioneer Valley High School (PVHS) Wellness Center partnered with Domestic Violence Solutions (DVS) throughout October to provide students with education, resources, and opportunities to talk about healthy relationships, warning signs of abuse, and support for survivors.
The awareness campaign includes multiple opportunities for students to learn, connect, and access resources.
Representatives from DVS visited campus during lunch to facilitate workshops and interactive activities focused on recognizing unhealthy relationship behaviors, understanding available community resources, and learning how to seek support safely.
On Oct. 20, Wellness Center staff and Mental Health Peer Leaders joined DVS at its annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes resource fair and community march.
Peer leaders helped lead the walk while carrying messages of hope, support and empowerment for survivors, demonstrating PVHS’s commitment to raising awareness and ending the stigma surrounding domestic violence, school officials said.
The month’s activities culminated in a Domestic Violence Awareness event held in the school amphitheater.
The Wellness Center partnered with Domestic Violence Solutions, SHARe & Care Club members, and Wellness peer leaders to provide students with educational materials, community resources, and awareness themed giveaways.
“Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to educate students about healthy relationships, recognize warning signs, and remind those who may be struggling that support is available,” said Crystal Buchan, school counselor at the PVHS Wellness Center.
“Through our partnership with Domestic Violence Solutions and the leadership of our peer leaders, we are helping create a school community where students feel empowered to seek help, support one another, and know they are never alone,” she said.
Angela Collins, Certified Wellness Coach, emphasized the importance of bringing awareness and education to students through engaging and student-led activities.
“Domestic Violence Awareness information is an important topic to bring to our schools and community,” Collins said. “I am so proud of our SHARe & Care Club members and peer leaders for their involvement and collaboration with Domestic Violence Solutions.
“The students create fun, engaging, and creative activities that help bring awareness to a difficult topic while encouraging important conversations among their peers.”
The awareness campaign also provided student leaders with opportunities to advocate for their peers and amplify the importance of education and prevention.
“Being involved in these activities means a lot to me because it gives me the opportunity to help others by sharing what I’ve learned,” said Nayeli Munguia Chavez, PVHS Senior, SHARe & Care Club president, and Mental Health peer leader.
“Domestic violence is an issue that many people do not fully understand, which is why it is so important to educate students about the warning signs of unhealthy and abusive relationships,” Chavez said.
“The more awareness we create, the better equipped students are to recognize when something isn’t right and to seek support for themselves or others,” Chavez said.
By partnering with community organizations and empowering student leaders, the PVHS Wellness Center continues its commitment to fostering a safe, informed, and supportive school environment where all students feel seen, heard, and connected to resources.
Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, the Wellness Center remains dedicated to helping students build healthy relationships, support one another, and access help when needed.