1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Tara Tighe, Public Affairs Specialist
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - Throughout October, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has partnered with the Wheeling YWCA to promote Coaching Boys into Men, a coach-to-athlete training program designed to promote domestic violence awareness and healthy relationships, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced today.
The Coaching Boys into Men program, administered by Futures Without Violence, provides high school athletic coaches with resources to promote respectful behavior among their players and help prevent relationship abuse, harassment, and sexual assault. The program was launched in 2001 as a national public service announcement campaign in partnership with the Advertising Council.
“This is a critical message for student athletes and all young adults in our community," stated Ihlenfeld. “Young people represent the future of our economy and learning to build healthy relationships is vital for a thriving community and workforce. Student athletes, in particular, are expected to play aggressively and win games. This program stresses the importance of tempering that aggression and promoting respect both on and off the field. We thank the football coaches at Wheeling Central Catholic High School, Brooke High School, and Wheeling Park High School for allowing us to speak with the teams and kick off this initiative. We look forward to introducing additional programing in the coming months."
“We need to end the cycle of domestic violence," said Patricia Flanigan, Family Violence Prevention Program Director for the Wheeling YWCA. “During a recent meeting of the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference, I met with local athletic directors and we are thrilled that many of them are embracing the opportunity to play hard and win games while developing their players into compassionate, respectful men. John Marshall High School has committed to implement the program and we look forward to collaborating with other local schools to foster this important message."
Anyone interested in additional information on Coaching Boys into Men is encouraged to visit www.coachescorner.org.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
