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Community Corner

Volunteers Walk to Raise Awareness of Teen Dating Violence

Walk held in honor of Siobhan Russell, who died in 2009

In an effort to raise teen-dating-violence awareness, volunteers participated in a 5k walk on Sunday that was dedicated to the memory of a 19-year-old Mountain View graduate and Herndon-area resident who was killed two years ago by an abusive ex-boyfriend.

The walk at the Dulles Town Center was organized by Dating Abuse Stops Here (DASH) and Andy and Lynne Russell, the parents of Siobhan L. Russell, who died on Easter Sunday 2009. The Russell family launched DASH in an effort to keep their daughter’s memory alive and spread the word about the dangers of abusive dating relationships. 

“If just one person is alerted by this [message] that would be a positive result,” Andy Russell said. “We need to get the message out about abusive relationships and what constitutes a good one.”

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Dawn Douglas-Coker brought her son, Collin Coker, 18, from Reston to join in the walk.

“This is important because guys also need to know what's appropriate in a relationship,” Douglas-Coker said.

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Mary and Michelle Redmond, of Centreville, came to participate in the walk and support the drive against abusive relationships.

“We heard about the walk and wanted to come out and show support for the family,” Michelle said. “It’s a great way to support them, spread the word and do something healthy.”

Megan Wray, 21, of Chantilly, brought her boyfriend Jake Bustle, 20, to the walk because she was a classmate of Siobhan’s while they both attended Chantilly High School.

“She was just the greatest person ever, very very special” Wray said.

Jennifer Reuling, of Reston, brought her two daughters, Alexis, 9, and Karma, 7, to help them appreciate the dynamics of dating once they start.

“I want to have the girls understand what abusive relationships are all about and how to handle them,” Reuling said.

To help ward off abusive relationships, parents need to be vigilant as their teenagers date, said Lynne Russell, Siobhan’s mom. There are warning signs, such as when a teen isolates themselves from their normal circle of friends to the exclusion of the abusive boyfriend or girlfriend. The cycle of abuse tends to escalate in an increasing trajectory of ill-treatment or violence, she said.

Asked what advice she would give to parents of dating teenagers, she said, “Learn the warning signs. We had no idea what Siobhan was going through. Parents can help.”

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