By Michaiah Varnes
Hood College held its annual Take Back the Night on April 10 featuring stories of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
The event, sponsored by Heartly House and other organizations, including SPARC and the Office of Community and Inclusivity, drew a large crowd. The event included speaches, a video presentation, a dance performance by the Hoodlum Steppers and interactive artwork.
Heartly House is the only organization in Frederick County that provides comprehensive services, free of charge, for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, human trafficking and child abuse.
Joan W. Quinlan, the founder of Heart Centered Growth located in Frederick, opened the event with meditation and stress-releasing breathing exercises, inviting the audience to participate.
Frederick County Delegate Karen Simpson, a lifelong Frederick resident, spoke first, emphasizing that women and children of sexual assault need therapy and shelter. She said her mission is to find capital funding to reach her goal of helping women and children of sexual assault violence.
Simpson has worked with Heartly House and passed three bills, including one related to marital rape.
“These things are going to enable us to keep them safe—women and children,” Simpson said.
Organizers showed a video with a welcome message from Hood President Debbie Ricker and Heartly House Executive Director Niki Thrash, who expressed support for the event. “At Heartly House, we understand anyone can be a victim,” Thrash said.
Gabynobody, whose art depicts the journey of healing and self-love, was the host throughout the event.
She is the head of beyouforyou.net, a virtual platform that highlights survivors of sexual trauma, their creativity, and their own success stories unfolding.
Survivors of sexual assault shared poems and stories of strength, resilience, and empowerment toward the end.
“I thought it was great; my favorite was the people speaking out,” said senior Justin Pettiford.
Be the first to comment