Ron Welch
Muskingum County Prosecutor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Prosecutor Ron Welch Serves as Panelist in Muskingum University Domestic Violence Discussion
(ZANESVILLE, OH)
Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch was recently invited to speak as a panelist at Muskingum University’s Title IX Office’s domestic violence discussion panel.
The university’s Title IX Office hosted the discussion to bring professionals from different backgrounds into one space to respond to questions and share their experiences as it relates to domestic violence awareness, prevention, and response.
Panelists at the discussion included Muskingum County Prosecuting Attorney Ron Welch, Haven of Hope Chief Executive Officer Michelle Carpenter-Wilkinson, Muskingum University Chief of Police Dave Williamson and Muskingum University Title IX Coordinator Holly Gleason.
A common theme that panelists discussed was the need and ability to recognize signs of an abusive relationship early and knowing that abuse rarely starts with violence.
Behavioral red flags to look out for include jealousy or possessiveness such as constantly checking in, accusing you of cheating, telling you what to wear or wanting to know your every move. Abusers will also attempt to isolate their victim by cutting them off from friends, family, or support systems.
A powerful and important question that panelists discussed was, “why do some survivors stay with or return to their abusers, and how can we better support them during that process?”
The answer to that question is nuanced — victims don’t stay because they want to. They stay with or return to their abusers because the web of fear, control, and dependency that their abusers weaved is difficult to escape. As abuse begins and slowly escalates, many victims don’t even realize it’s happening until they’re deeply entangled.
Leaving an abuser is the most dangerous time for a victim as abusers begin to realize that they are losing control. They often threaten to harm the victim, their children, or themselves if the victim leaves. Based on the extent of isolation victims may also no longer have contact with friends, family, or financial resources, making leaving feel impossible.
The campus community can help by saying something if you see something, listening without judgment, believing victims and keeping an open line of communication and support for when they need it most. You may feel helpless but your presence and patience matter most.
The Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office remains dedicated to advocating for and supporting victims of domestic and dating violence. Our victim advocates receive specialized training and help guide victims through the justice system.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse and need assistance with charges or local resources, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.
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