Two teenagers have died in Blacksburg, Virginia, and the community is mourning their loss. Serenity Hawley’s family revealed that the victims were involved in an abusive relationship. The Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley offers support for domestic violence victims, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and breaking the stigma associated with it. Mental health professionals from Horizon Behavioral Health advise parents and trusted adults to look out for signs of danger if they suspect their child is in an abusive relationship. Resources such as counseling, hotlines, and support are available for those experiencing domestic violence. The YWCA of Central Virginia, the Roanoke Salvation Army, and Family Service of Roanoke Valley are also available in the community. The 24-hour domestic violence hotline can be reached at 800-799-7233 for immediate assistance. Anna McDougall reported
The community of Blacksburg is mourning the loss of two teenagers, and the family of Serenity Hawley, one of the victims, has revealed that the two were involved in an abusive relationship. The exact details of their deaths have not been disclosed by the police, but Laura Beth Weaver from the Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley acknowledges that the grief being felt by the entire community is indescribable.
Weaver emphasizes that the impact of this tragedy extends beyond the victims themselves, affecting their families and the community as a whole. She also highlights an alarming statistic from 2019, which states that 1 in 12 minors reported experiencing physical or sexual violence from a partner.
Abuse often thrives in secrecy, whether it occurs in adult domestic relationships or among adolescents involved in dating violence. Mental health professionals from Horizon Behavioral Health stress the importance of recognizing warning signs if parents or trusted adults suspect that a child is in danger. Abrupt changes in behavior, such as a sudden shift from their usual demeanor, might indicate that something traumatic has happened to them.
Januwaa Davis, the program manager of wellness and prevention at Horizon, explains that teenagers who have experienced domestic violence may display signs such as insomnia, loss of appetite, or a loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy. However, Weaver acknowledges that every situation is unique and wants people to know that help is available and seeking it is completely acceptable.
The Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley offers counseling, hotlines, and support for individuals experiencing domestic violence. Additionally, there are other resources in the community, including the YWCA of Central Virginia, the Roanoke Salvation Army, and Family Service of Roanoke Valley. For immediate assistance, the 24-hour domestic violence hotline can be reached at 800-799-7233..