by Channel 2 News staff
Thursday, April 1, 2010
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Local organizations and community leaders gathered Thursday to commemorate victims of sexual assault and those who are helping to raise awareness.
Opening ceremonies for Sexual Assault Awareness Month were held at the Loussac Library, where several community involvement and intervention awards were given out and T-shirts made by victims of sexual assault were on display.
Organizers say the art is meant to be therapeutic for those who have suffered from abuse.
"I think it's incredibly empowering for people to be able to find their voice and put words and images down to describe their experiences, and then for that to be publicly shared in a way that still maintains their confidentiality and their privacy," said Keeley Olson, the program director of Standing Together Against Rape.
"This month the awareness of sexual assault and child abuse allows us all to reflect and to shout out to our community that children and adults are suffering and we all need to help," said Cory Bryant, the manager of Alaska CARES.
