By Heart of Illinois ABC
BLOOMINGTON – Harvey Weinstein’s case played a big part in the ‘Me Too’ movement started by women in Hollywood.
Professionals working with victims at the McLean County YWCA said cases like this have an impact on local victims.
Here at McLean County’s YWCA, they offer a program to help women and men live with their past traumas.
It’s called ‘Stepping Stones’, a hub of resources for sexual assault survivors.
“A lot of the time when we first meet clients is at the hospital so it’s very emotional. They’re wanting to know what they can do and what options they have,” said Kelsie Langheim who is the director of the ‘Stepping Stones’ program.
‘Stepping Stones’ provides free counseling to help victims find their voices.
“They shouldn’t be afraid to speak up, whether that’s through the legal process or to just speak to a counselor,” added Langheim.
“I think healing is different for everyone. I wish I could say in this amount of time things will get better. It’s more of just that process of healing,” said Audrey Aeilts, the coordinator of counseling services.
In the last year, the YWCA saw around 300 people in the program and answered more than 200 calls on their 24/7 crisis hotline for sexual assault victims.
The YWCA said the program sees an uptick when sex crime cases get national attention.
“It’s kind of empowering for them knowing that someone so powerful can be held accountable,” said Langheim.
“It shows justice can happen. I know it’s still slow. It hasn’t caught up to where we’d like it to be. It definitely sends the message that it can happen even to someone in power,” said Aeilts.
The program also extends to family and friends of those survivors who enroll in the program.
To find out more about the ‘Stepping Stones’ resources click here.
Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected].
