Aid to Victims of Violence Fosters Girls Empowerment in the Local Community

(Photo provided by Aid to Victims of Violence).

Last week Aid to Victims of Violence, located at the Cortland YWCA, hosted their Third-Annual Girls’ Empowerment Workshop. 

The workshop aims to empower girls aged 12-17 through education on topics including sexual assault prevention, healthy relationships, consent, bystander intervention, and self-defense amongst other topics.

The girls enjoyed participating in different activities such as zip-lining at Greek Peak, self-defense training from the SUNY Cortland University Police Department, and hiking at Tinker Falls.

Educational presentations were also facilitated by Aid to Victims of Violence staff members Kaitlyn Eber, Jessica Smith, Eric Schisler and intern Tayler Robins.

“I had so much fun this week. I didn’t expect how much I would like it,” said one 12 year old participant. “Everyone that worked there and was there was very nice and you should keep doing this forever,” another 14 year old participant added.  

(Photo provided by Aid to Victims of Violence).

Through a New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services grant this workshop will continue next year free of cost to the girls who participate. Registration packets for summer 2020 will be located at the YWCA at 14 Clayton Avenue in Cortland beginning in April. This is a first come first served registration and space is limited.