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Press Release

Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Help Center Honored By United States Attorney

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of West Virginia


1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs Specialist


Outgoing SAHC Director Linda Reeves also honored

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – The Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Center
was honored this week in Wheeling for its efforts to end sexual violence. United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II recognized the Center for its thirty-five years of service to the Ohio Valley and presented the group with a 2014 United States Attorney’s Award.

“The Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Center is one of the most important social service organizations in our region,” said Ihlenfeld. “This group of dedicated individuals strives daily to provide healing for children, adults and families affected by sexual assault, and works to end sexual violence through counseling, education and advocacy. Thanks to the Center, victims of sexual violence have a place to go for support as they begin the very long and difficult road to recovery.”

Linda Reeves was recognized separately and was presented with a United States Attorney’s Award for her exceptional service to the Center for the past two decades, including 13 years as its executive director.

“Linda’s dedication to helping survivors is unmatched and her tireless efforts over the last twenty years have greatly improved the response to sexual assault in the Ohio Valley,” said Ihlenfeld.

The Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Help Center opened in 1978 and is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing assistance to the community in dealing with the crime of sexual assault. Services include crisis intervention, advocacy, support services, individual and group counseling, and community education. The Center primarily serves Wetzel, Brooke, Marshall, Ohio and Hancock counties in West Virginia. In Ohio, Jefferson and Belmont counties are served. It does not refuse services to anyone regardless of where they reside, and all services are provided free of charge.

The Center provided direct victim services to over 1,000 children, youth, and adults in the Upper Ohio Valley in 2013. In addition, the Center provided community awareness and prevention education programs to over 2,500 children and adults on issues related to sexual violence last year.

Updated January 7, 2015