Press release from the local chapter of the National Organization for Women:
ASHEVILLE – The local chapter of the National Organization for Women and HandsOff Asheville, in cooperation with Our Voice Rape Crisis Center, present “I Believe The Women,” a safe space for survivors of sexual violence to process feelings of anxiety and helplessness generated by the recent campaign.
The event, 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at Firestorm Books, 601 Haywood Road, West Asheville, will allow women a safe space to tell or write their stories, or simply to be with others who share and understand their feelings.
“The talk of sexual violence during the campaign has stirred up memories and feelings in survivors that need to be dealt with,” said Leslie Boyd, of NOW. “We need a safe space where we can talk and be with women who understand and who will believe our stories without questioning where we were, what we were wearing or why we were with our perpetrators.”
The conviction rate for rape hovers at about 2 percent, which discourages women from reporting the crime for fear of not being believed or of being blamed for the violence against them.
Because of the wounds re-opened by the campaign, the event will include a counselor from Our Voice, Asheville’s rape crisis and counseling center. It will include information on where to get more help for those who need it.
The event is free and open to survivors of sexual violence. Space is limited to 30. Please respond by visiting https://www.facebook.com/events/118608838618110/.
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