While childhood sexual abuse can be a difficult topic for people to talk openly about, Break the Silence Project is hosting a morning of unity and action to empower survivors and raise awareness in the community for the second year in a row.
The “Second Annual Break the Silence Run” will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 13 at Murphy Park.
Organized with Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center, Taylor Independent School District and Impact Counseling Services, the event will feature a 1.4-mile walk/run, food, educational activities, a raffle, speakers
and more. “The thing I am most excited about is being able to bring victims closer to the people who can help them,” said Marcus Reese, race organizer and fellow survivor. “That’s what this event will do even better this year than last year. Last year was how do we break the silence. This year is to show how do we close the gap even more.”
Organizers said every part of this event will be free, including race registration, educational resources, sausage wraps, raffle prizes, etc., to allow for more widespread community participation.
Reese added that to spotlight the concrete steps victims must take to break the silence, the event will also feature a panel discussion of Williamson County personnel who directly aided Reese as he sought to bring his abuser to justice.
Other new features of the day will include a dedicated space for an expert on teen dating violence and prevention as well as an area solely dedicated to kids’ activities, Reese said.
“On the lower part of the pavilion, we will have a kids’ zone with carnival-type games, like a ring toss, football throw, arts and crafts, face painting, a life-sized Jenga,” he said.
Tiffany Sturman, the chief advancement officer at WCAC, said it made perfect sense for her organization to continue collaborating with the Break the Silence Project.
For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/5837502106331613.
