A chance to participate in stopping the silence related to violent crimes will occur next Tuesday, April 29 at the annual Stop the Silence event in downtown Stephenville.
The rally organized by Cross Timbers Family Services is held each year in observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, being held April 6-12. April is also National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The rally will offer a chance for community members to join together and stand up against violent crimes such as child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence and more.
“Stop the Silence is a community rally dedicated to bringing awareness about all three of these crimes in our community, educating the community about resources for survivors of crime as well as providing an opportunity for prevention education and awareness. This event takes place at the Erath County Courthouse, a symbol of justice in our community. Our goal is to promote safety and healing for our citizens along with fighting crime in our community,” CTFS Executive Director Laura Gambino said. “Fighting crime in our community not only means supporting law enforcement but it also means promoting awareness about crime and saying it’s okay to talk about it.”
In 2024, Cross Timbers Family Services saw 305 new clients: 255 were survivors of violent crime, those included 157 victims of family violence, 21 child victims, 33 adult survivors of sexual assault, six survivors of assault, 11 adults sexually abused as a child, 17 child survivors of physical abuse or neglect, 15 child survivors of sexual assault. The agency had 982 hotline and general information calls.
The ceremony will start at 6 p.m. and the event is entirely free and child friendly.
Kid-friendly booths will be open and Stephenville Police Officers Association will sell hot dogs, chips and water for $5 suggested donation with proceeds benefitting Stop the Silence.
Booths at the event will include Cross Timbers Family Services, Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center, CASA, BACA: Bikers Against Child Abuse, Texas Health Resources, STAR Council, Erath County Child Welfare Board, Restoration Advocates, Choices Clinic, Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council, Tarleton Counseling Center and Stephenville Police Department.
Displays from first responders will include Erath County Sheriff’s Office SWAT vehicle, Stephenville Fire Department, Erath County EMS, Erath County Fire and SPD.