Advocates urge to Stop the Silence

A variety of individuals, community groups and advocates gathered for the Stop the Silence rally organized by Cross Timbers Family Services Tuesday, April 16. The rally is held each year in observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, being held April 21-27.

The rally is a chance for community members to join together and stand up against violent crimes such as child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence and more.

“There is a passage in Proverbs that lists the things that the Lord disapproves of and guides us in things that we should seek to eradicate from our communities,” Erath County District Attorney Alan Nash said. “The things that the Lord finds to be an abomination include a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises a wicked imagination, feet that are swift to running in mischief, a false witness that speaks lies, he that sowed discord among brethren.”

“When a child sees father hitting mother, a child learns through that the value of a person. When neither father nor mother values mother’s human dignity, the child is trained that mothers have little worth, and can be treated accordingly. It is this destructive cycle – the setting an example of violence and the acceptance of violence – that all of us – advocates, law enforcement and victims must work to break.”

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 Tarleton State University Choir member Curt Plaxco.

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. Information was also shared by Assistant District Attorney Jett Smith, Stephenville Police Chief Dan Harris and incoming County Attorney Bethany Espinoza.

After the ceremony, a wreath was placed at the courthouse by a domestic violence survivor and community members walked around the courthouse in solidarity against violent crimes.

“As we come together today to advocate for all victims of crime, we have a common purpose: to help victims of violent crime seek their justice and work towards healing in the aftermath of a crime. I want to thank you on behalf of our agency for being here and for being willing to work together as a community for this common purpose. We are proud to work among you,” Cross Timbers Family Services Executive Director Laura Gambino said.

A variety of family friendly booths were located at the event including Cross Timbers Family Services, Inc., Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center, EC3 Coalition, Restoration Advocates, Erath Engaged - Helping Erath County Thrive, STAR Council, Stephenville Police Department, Erath County Sheriff’s Office, Tarleton Texan Corps of Cadets, Bikers Against Child Abuse International, B & A, MediaTech LLC, Texas Health Stephenville Fire Department and Erath County EMS.

A meal was provided by the Stephenville PD Auxiliary at the event.