Breaking silence: A message to survivors of violence

Eureka, Ca., (KIEM)- This week, Time Magazine named “The Silence Breakers,” their ‘Person of the Year.’ The cover recognizes the millions of men and women who have come forward to share their stories as survivors of sexual violence and abuse.

Wikipedia and other sources have credited Alyssa Milano as the first to use the hashtag “#Metoo,” but Milano herself has reminded the public of Tarana Burke. Burke coined the concept, and is an advocate for women of color (who are 35% more likely to experience intimate partner violence), and all victims of sexual violence.

Roughly 1 in 5 women will be raped in their lifetime. The North Coast Rape Crisis Team wants to share the following message: there is a  community of support, love and belief. Additionally, it’s okay to remain silent about trauma. For some, sharing a story can be cathartic. For others it’s unnecessarily painful. So if you choose not to say #metoo, you are still valued.

Support is available around the clock for all survivors regardless of age, gender, race or circumstance. The 24 hour hotline is: 707-445-2881.

“Whether the violence happened today or 40 years ago, they’re welcome to call that.” Paula Arrowsmith-Jones, the community outreach coordinator for the North Coast Rape Crisis Team says. The website for the North Coast Rape Crisis Team is also an excellent resource. You can visit them here: http://www.ncrct.org/index.html

 

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