T-L Photos/GAGE VOTA Leah’s Wing volunteer Betzi Kemp, on left, Leah’s Wing founder Sheila Abbott, and St. Clairsville Mayor Kathryn Thalman honor domestic violence victims with Thalman’s proclamation declaring October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Mayor Kathryn Thalman declared October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the city during city council’s most recent meeting. In honor of that proclamation, Leah’s Wing founder Sheila Abbott spoke about the importance of spreading awareness, not only in October, but throughout the entire year.

Abbott’s daughter Leah Hines, was murdered in her sleep by her boyfriend in 2021 when she was 27 years old. Tyler Thompson was later convicted of her murder in Noble County.

Abbott said that she created the nonprofit organization in 2024 not only to spread awareness, but to also provide support and resources for victims of domestic violence.

“I’m just a mom trying to get out there and share my daughter’s story,” she said.

She added that in sharing Leah’s story that she hopes to potentially save the lives of domestic violence victims who feel like they don’t have the resources to escape their situation.

Abbott added that her daughter left behind three children that Abbott obtained custody of after Hines died in 2021.

“It’s unbelievable how much abuse goes on behind closed doors,” Abbott said.

Leah’s Wing volunteer Betzi Kemp added that she was previously in a domestic violence situation.

“I got out, but it was after I lost my baby. So now it’s time for us to help everybody else,” Kemp said.

Abbott added that anyone experiencing domestic violence can contact the organization 24/7 at 740-213-6537.

“Our plan is if you need assistance, we will help you however we can,” Abbott said.

She added that Leah’s Wing is also very active on Facebook and she continuously updates the Facebook page of any events raising awareness or providing resources within the Ohio Valley.

Council member Lucien Murzyn suggested that the organization should host a class with a professional to explain to residents the certain behaviors to look for in potential partners in hopes to avoid abuse before a relationship were to start.

He added that he’s spent several years teaching self defense classes but understands that not everyone is able to physically train self defense.

“The best self defense is to not be there,” Murzyn said.

Abbott replied that she likes Murzyn’s idea and will reach out to him to potentially create a program to address the issue he suggested.

In addition to calling Leah’s Wing, domestic violence victims are about to call Tri-County Help Center’s 24-hour emergency hotline that is answered by trained support staff who can provide crisis intervention, safety planning and referrals. To reach the emergency hotline, call 740-695-5441 or text BEGIN to 88788.

“Domestic violence is a pervasive and devastating issue that affects individuals and families across all communities, leaving behind deep emotional, physical, and generational scars,” Thalman said. “Leah’s Wing stands as a beacon of resilience and support, working tirelessly to break the cycle of violence and ensure that every individual has the opportunity to live free from fear and harm.”

She added that Hines’ death is a heartbreaking reminder of the urgency to speak out and act to protect individuals who are at risk.