April 14, 2022- April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
On Thursday evening, The Growing Strong Sexual Assault Center hosted a “Take Back The Night” rally at Central Park.
The event kicked off with a march at 5:30 pm, that started at Millikin University and ended at Central Park. Following the march, the rally took place.
Several of the organization’s staff members spoke to a crowd of community members about sexual assault awareness.
Cathy Byers, executive director, started the rally by talking about Growing Strong’s mission.
“Growing Strong uses its’ voice to speak out against sexual assault and abuse,” Byers said. “We speak for the women and men still living in silence. We speak for the children who are not yet able to speak for themselves. We speak to our community in order to break the silence that surrounds sexual assault. We speak because sexual assault is not just a crime against its’ victims but a crime against humanity.”
Nicole Belcher read a poem titled “Taking My Power Back”, by KH.
“I am holding my head high, and I am taking my power back,” Belcher said. “He stripped me of my dignity. He denied me of my first kiss. He stole my trust in others. He took away my voice, but I am holding my head high, and I am taking my power back.”
Sierra Brodhacker, sexual assault counselor, spoke on the Do’s and Don’ts, in order to support people who have been victims of sexual assault.
“Do listen,” Brodhacker said. “When a survivor discloses what they are saying might be very difficult or upsetting to take in and hear, you may have a lot of questions, but it is imperative to show them that you are listening. Try not to interrupt while they are being vulnerable and sharing with you.”
Other speakers included Karyn Mears, Kim Spicer, Melissa Stewart, Natalie Bedwell, Angie Edgecomb, and Sheri Spain.
If you would like to learn more about Growing Strong, call (217) 428-0770 or visit their website.
