The Rape Education and Crisis Hotline held a candlelight vigil at Moore Park in Paris. Participants are pictured at the vigil on April 13.

Candlelight vigil held for sexual assault victims

PARIS – The Rape Education and Crisis Hotline (REACH) held a candlelight vigil on April 13 at Moore Park in Paris. The observance honored and supported those who are affected by sexual violence and helped raise awareness and promote prevention.

Lauren Dembski said, “It was a great experience to see REACH staff, Advocates families and survivors unite to make the community more aware that there is sexual assault and child sexual abuse in Oxford Hills and there are people working together to work towards ending it.”

Cathy and Kyle Jordan and their two children, Molly and Mackenzie, also participated. Cathy said, “We feel it is important to raise awareness of the prevalence and services available to help victims of such trauma as sexual assault and child abuse and neglect in the Oxford Hills area. We brought our children so that they can be mindful of this social issue and how to proactively address social justice issues.”

Grace Barker, a high school student who participated in the vigil, said, “The reason I went to the candlelight vigil was because I thought it was really important to stand up against sexual violence and child abuse. I believe that if we all stand up against these terrible acts, then we can show that we do have a voice that will be powerful enough to end it.”

Barker’s father, John, commented, “I was very happy to take part in this very important vigil. I hope that the community will become aware of the problems we have with sexual abuse towards women and our children. I hope REACH will consider having many more awareness campaigns in the future.”

For more information on REACH services or to become a volunteer helpline advocate, call 743-9777 or e-mail [email protected]. REACH operates a 24-hour support line, 1-800-871-7741.