CONGERS-Rockland residents members gathered last month to give support to local rape, domestic and child abuse survivors at the eleventh annual "Take Back the Night," sponsored by the Rockland Family Shelter. "Sexual abuse is one of those secrets that no one wants to talk about," said Kiera Pollock, director of sexual trauma services at Rockland Family Shelter. "Let's shatter the secret." The Student Activists Ending Dating Abuse draped underwear decorated with explicit anti-abuse slogans like, "no trespassing anytime" and, "it wasn't sex, I didn't say yes" around the perimeter of the auditorium like garland on Christmas trees. They wanted to, "really shake things up and get our point noticed," said one member of the group at the April 18 event. The heart of the event was an open-mic session aimed at getting victims of abuse to break their silence under the protection of anonymity. "Victims of abuse feel alone," said one speaker. "I didn't plan on coming up here to talk about my abuse, but I felt safe once I heard everyone's stories." Take Back the Night honors the memory of those who have lost their lives to abuse and supports those who are still fighting to survive the emotional damage they endure. Attendants assembled for a candle-lit vigil around the adjacent lake. Illuminated by the moon-light and about 60 candles, the vigil-goers were asked to think or speak the names of any abuse survivors they knew. The quiet murmur of names went on for over five minutes. DeShannon Bowens, a consulting therapist at Rockland Family Shelter and vigil leader, said that the worst part is when the abused can never feel safe again. They cannot appreciate that life is worth living, Bowens said. "Do not let other people's crimes define who you are," said Bowens, to a silent group of onlookers. The event was also a time to celebrate. The audience laughed and applauded during a performance by the Chiku Awali African Dance Company of Rockland. Five drummers and various children danced and celebrated. Carolyn Fish, executive director of the Rockland Family Shelter, said that the purpose of the dance group was to have something, "hopeful and uplifting," at the event. The Rockland Family Shelter tries to always have entertainment that supports cultural diversity, she said. She added that the event was meant to be joyous as well as reflective. "The ultimate goal of these events is to let people know that they are not alone and to help them move on with their lives." "If you are abused, if you feel intimidated, if your life is threatened," said Harriet Cornell, co-chairman of the Stop F.E.A.R .coalition and County Legislator. "There is a place to go." Rockland Family Shelter organizes the event every year, within the Sexual Trauma Services department. The RFS has helped Rockland County create and enforce spousal abuse laws since the late 80s. It also helped encourage hospitals to investigate cases of inexplicable or reoccurring injuries among women and children.
Bringing the truth to light
Take Back the Night gives voice to local victims of sexual violence
Published: Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Updated: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 02:08
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