Marla Willcox Eddy

Marla was hired in February of 1988 to develop a “Rape Crisis Center” within The Counseling Connection to provide sexual violence advocacy, counseling, and prevention services. As time passed, the program was named REACH (Rape Education, Advocacy, Counseling, and Healing) and when the Violence Against Women Act passed, additional staff was gradually hired to meet the demand. Marla received her BSW at San Diego State University, is a West Virginia Licensed Social Worker, and has received certification by the WV Foundation for Rape Information and Services. She has received numerous awards for her work throughout the years, is a member of statewide committees, has participated in projects focused on improving the response to survivors of sexual violence, and provides expert testimony. She also provides training programs which center on “How to Respond to Survivors of Sexual Violence” among other related topics and teaches every class of students attending the WV State Police Academy. These training programs are directed toward professionals such as law enforcement, advocates, prosecutors, counselors, teachers, college/university staff, medical personnel, anyone who may be in a position to respond to a survivor and focus on a trauma-informed response. Marla has worked with thousands of survivors by providing trauma-informed counseling centered on understanding the unique impact of the traumatic experience and learning how to navigate life after sexual violence. The ultimate goal is not only to survive, but thrive.