Hundreds of people showed up in downtown Stephenville Tuesday, April 29 with one message for victims of violent crimes – that they aren’t alone in the fight.
At the annual Stop the Silence event, a variety of individuals, community groups and advocates gathered together in observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week held April 6-12, Child Abuse Prevention Month and National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
“We are here to stand with everyone affected by violence. In our communities, the most front line daily threat to our peace and liberty comes in the form of the criminal who seeks to steal from, to violate, to harm others. Fear of violence in our homes and our streets can make the freedom we value as citizens seem trivial and meaningless,” Erath County District Attorney Alan Nash said. “Domestic Violence, child abuse, sexual assault, murder all reflect a cheapening of the value of human dignity, of human life.”
The opening remarks were followed by prayers spoken by representatives from the Ministerial Alliance, colors were placed by the Erath County Sheriff’s Posse and the National Anthem sang by a Tarleton State University choir member.
Statistics were read by law enforcement officials and Cross Timbers Family Services and Bikers Against Child Abuse, along with proclamations read from Erath County Judge Brandon Huckabee, with Erath County mayors signing in agreement.
“As we come together today to advocate for all victims of crime, we have a common purpose – to help victims of violent crimes seek their justice and work towards healing in the aftermath of a crime,” Cross Timbers Family Services Executive Director Laura Gambino said.
She thanked everyone for being there, and thanked everyone for being willing to work together as a community for the common purpose.
“We are here together today at Stop the Silence to say it takes all of us serving on many different levels – not only the nonprofits but the courtroom, the ER, the police station, EMS, Child Protective Services, counseling services – to find justice and healing. We have our roles to play in this and we all have our special talents and resources. These collaborations and partnerships with community resources are the only way we can best serve our citizens, and best utilize our resources to the fullest extent possible,” Gambino said.
She challenged everyone there if they weren’t already involved to find where they could serve by checking out a variety of information booths on site.
Information was also shared by Assistant District Attorney Mackenzie Pack, Stephenville Police Chief Dan Harris and County Attorney Bethany Espinoza. After the ceremony, a wreath was placed at the courthouse by a domestic violence survivor and Stephenville City Manager Jason King before community members walked around the courthouse in solidarity against violent crimes.
A variety of family friendly booths and first responder vehicles were located at the event including CASA, Child Welfare Board, Star Council, BACA, CAC, Mission Granbury, Stephenville Police Department, Stephenville Fire/EMS, Sheriff’s Office Vehicles, CTFS, Restoration Advocates, Choices Clinic, Texas Health Resources, Tarleton Dean of Students, Tarleton PD, Tarleton Counseling Center, Fine Arts Council, Compassion Counseling, 911 Booth and Dublin PD.
A fundraising meal was provided by the Stephenville Police Association.