Communities are teaming up to Stop the Silence in regards to violent crime, sexual assault and child abuse.
April is the recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 19-25), National Child Abuse Prevention Month and National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
In conjunction with Cross Timbers Family Services, city of Dublin, city of Stephenville, Erath County and Tarleton State University have all signed proclamations for Stop the Silence.
As the presentation was approved by Dublin City Council April 13, Dublin Police Chief commended CTFS and Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center members in attendance for all the victims they assist and helping to bring them towards the justice and services they need. Gambino responded how grateful they are for the collaboration and efforts of the local law enforcement in working together.
The event, set this year at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 28 in downtown Stephenville, will showcase a wide range of speakers and booths at the community-wide rally.
“It’s called Stop the Silence because we are here to talk about difficult topics. As a community it is important that we are able to do that,” Cross Timber Family Services Executive Director Laura Gambino said. “Talking about a difficult topic is the very first thing to do in order to heal from a violent crime, to prevent violent crime and to fight violent crime.”
Gambino offered her thanks to all of the entities for their work and being willing each and every year to help support through the proclamations.
The Stop the Silence community rally includes opening remarks by District Attorney Alan Nash, prayer by the Erath County Ministerial Alliance, flag presentation by the Tarleton Corps of Cadets, the National Anthem and the reading of the proclamation. CTFS and Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center statistics will also be presented by Bikers Against Child Abuse.
The event will close with a pledge led by Stephenville Police Chief Dan Harris and statistics about crimes in Erath County for the past year.
There will also be a brief presentation from a survivor of violent crime.
“We choose someone every year, and we talk about how this person has been helped by CTFS, and how they’ve benefited from the services in our community,” she said.
Booths of agencies that support in some way.
“This acts as way for citizens to ask questions, see how we come together, and help prevent violent crime,” Gambino said.