By: Reilly Buselli
On Tuesday October 27, guest speakers from the Victim Intervention Program visited the Allied Health level 1 and 2 students to teach them about what VIP does and talk about healthy teenage relationships. VIP gives resources to people who unfortunately have been subject to abusive relationships. These resources include anonymous hotlines, therapists, and safe houses. The guest speakers were Erika Thaxton and Dr. Devia, a second-year med student pursuing a double board certification in general medicine and women’s health who is the only female practitioner in the Wayne Memorial residency program. They walked the students through different scenarios that show how hard it can be to “just leave” a harmful or abusive relationship. These women came to educate the students in honor of October being Domestic Violence Awareness month. Knowledge of this topic and knowing how to spot a victim is especially valuable because more often than not, victims will remain quiet about what they are experiencing. Thank you to Erika Thaxton and Dr. Devia for your amazing and influential presentation to the Allied Health students!
