By Howard Packowitz
NORMAL – Local law enforcers are praising the courage of three young women sexually assaulted in the Twin-Cities, who are now telling their stories in a very public way.
The survivors are seen in a video lasting a little more than three minutes.
The public service announcement is posted on social media, and its goal is for people to stop blaming victims for the sex crimes committed against them.
“If someone steals your car, and it’s because you left the door unlocked, it’s still a theft. It’s still a burglary if they go into your house,” said McLean County State’s Attorney Jason Chambers.
“Let’s treat survivors of sexual assault equally with that,” Chambers said.
The three women shown in the video wanted to make a difference, said Normal Police Officer Elizabeth Hedges.
“It’s their story. It’s their experience, and it’s raw. That’s what they went through,” Officer Hedges said.
“For them to come forward and to help us push this message forward, it’s just absolutely incredible.”
Normal Police and prosecutors from the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office presented the video for the first time Wednesday prior to a question-and-answer session at the Normal Theater.
Audience members were asked to stand up if they knew a rape victim. Almost everybody in the theater stood up.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the U.S.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at howard.packowitz@cumulus.com
