Domestic violence, sexual assault extends beyond victim

Were you aware that:
1 in 6 women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime?
1 in 33 men will be sexually assaulted in his lifetime?
1 in 4 families will be affected by domestic violence even though this violence is underreported?
Domestic violence hurts more than just the victim. The ripples go far beyond the physical altercation and affects more people than the victim. Be a part of the solution to stamping out domestic and sexual violence in this county and beyond.
Where do you start?
Attend the Take Back the Night program on the Corydon town square on Thursday, April 24, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Featured speaker will be Holly K. Dunn, the only survivor of the railroad serial killer, Angel Maturino Resendiz. She and her boyfriend, Chris Maier, were attacked by Resendiz on Aug. 28, 1997, in Lexington, Ky., while they were students at the University of Kentucky. Maier was killed in the attack. Though she had been raped, beaten, stabbed and left for dead, Dunn survived. She had a broken eye socket, broken jaw, stab wound and numerous cuts on her head and face. She now prides herself on living as a survivor, not a victim.
In addition to Dunn, Alvin and Linda Stepp will speak as survivors who have made an impact by offering a support group. There will also be entertainment by the Troubadours of Divine Bliss, Felicia Bays and others.
There will be booths by agencies that assist those who may be the victims of these crimes and the families who suffer as well.
And while the majority of domestic violence is against women, men, too, can be the target. In all cases, the family unit is the victim.
Learn what avenues are available to individuals or family members in a time of crisis at next week’s event.
Take Back the Night is an event to publicly speak out about violence against women. The project initially began to protest conditions causing women to feel unsafe when alone at night on the streets. The event has become an evening for communities around the world to come together and speak with one voice for the elimination of sexual violence.
Agencies participating by providing information include: the Dept. of Child Services, Harrison County CASA, Center for Women & Children, Law Enforcement Agencies, Healthy Families, First Steps, Rainbows End, Hoosier Hills PACT, WIC, Maternal & Child Health, YMCA of Harrison County, Mens Work, Harrison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Safe Place, Prevent Child Abuse, LifeSpring, Counsel House and Gerdon Youth Center.