By Patrick Baron
BLOOMINGTON – Various local leaders gathered outside the McLean County Museum of History this morning to voice their support for sexual assault survivors.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the YWCA Stepping Stones program collaborated with local leaders to raise awareness. Speaking the ribbon cutting event to kick of the month, McLean County State’s Attorney Jason Chambers said he while he wants to see a cultural shift in how people view sexual assault and support for victims, it will take some time.
“We need to get away from thinking this is just a law enforcement thing – everybody needs to get involved in this,” Chambers explained.
Chambers hopes to eradicate sexual assault all together, but acknowledged that such a goal may be impossible in his lifetime – but he says we’re on the right track.
Bloomington alderman Karen Schmidt, one of the local leaders in attendance, noted the community has the power to discuss sexual violence and support the survivors.
“We have to talk about this issue and highlight the support programs that weave throughout our community,” said Schmidt. “Together we can lift each other up and support our survivors, [discuss] victim blaming, misconceptions, what consent means, and how to communicate with one another about sexual violence.”
Schmidt cut the teal ribbon to signify the beginning of Sexual Assault Awareness month.
Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].
