April was Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month, and National Crime Victims’ Rights Week was recognized Sunday, April 24 through April 30. In recognition, St. Peter’s Crime Victim Services spent the month of April providing education programs, events, and fundraisers, including the 2nd Annual Strides for Survivors 5k Run/Walk/Roll.
Strides for Survivors’ goal is to engage our community in important conversations around victimization, community response, and prevention. This year, participants and sponsors raised nearly $10,000 to support St. Peter’s Crime Victim Services’ mission of reducing the impact of crime.
A virtual closing ceremony wrapped up the week-long event. The video features Ringo, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, describing his experiences with St. Peter’s Crime Victim Services: “It was the first time in seeking help that I was able to feel comfortable and more importantly to feel safe. I have learned that people will believe me. I have learned that it was not my fault, and that I don’t need to feel shame from it. I have learned replacement activities in place of self-harm. I have learned about self-care. For me finding appropriate help to heal was like finding that light at the end of a dark tunnel.”.
The video is available for viewing at StridesForSurvivorsSPHP.org, where folks can still donate, if they wish.
St. Peter’s Crime Victim Services offers free and confidential services to survivors of crime. Available services include medical and legal advocacy, short-term counseling, therapy, and compensation assistance. For more information, please call 518-271-3410 or visit us at sphp.com/crimevictimservices.
If you have been assaulted or urgently need to speak with someone outside of business hours, please contact our 24-hour hotline at 518-271-3257.
