2nd Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Candlelight Vigil

Kelliann Harris outlines the Candlelight Vigil program with Leslie Lardesty and Mike McCool, publisher of the Royal Examiner. Photo by Kory Campbell, The Laurel Center. Video by Mark Williams, Royal Examiner.

On Saturday, April 13th, The Laurel Center (TLC) hosted members of the Front Royal/Warren County community at the Main Street Gazebo for the Second Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Candlelight Vigil this past Saturday. The Vigil focused on empowering the 552 area survivors that The Laurel Center has helped since 2014 and any other survivors in the community. Guests heard from community leaders (Councilmen Bill Sealock, Bryan Layton, Jason Winner, Emily Young, Candy Dixon, and Greg Drescher) the Warren County High School Choir (singing “Don’t Be Seen” and “You Will Be Found”),  along with TLC staff. Sexual violence survivors and community members were given a chance to speak openly with the audience to bring awareness to sexual violence.

Leslie Hardesty, Sexual Assault Program Coordinator at The Laurel Center Intervention for Domestic and Sexual Violence said, “This event gives a voice to sexual assault survivors and brings the impact that sexual assault has on them, their families, and the community as a whole out of the darkness and into the light where it can be unmasked and talked about. When a community stands up in support of survivors, it sends a strong message that they are heard and believed. It makes a huge difference in the way that survivors heal.”

The Laurel Center wants to thank all that attended the 2nd Annual Sexual Assault Candlelight Vigil. It is with the continued support of the Front Royal and Warren County community that The Laurel Center is able to empower the survivors of sexual assault in your area. If you are experiencing sexual violence, The Laurel Center Crisis Hotline is available at (540) 667-6466 or (540) 305-1083 (Warren County). For general office inquiries or more information contact The Laurel Center Monday through Friday at (540) 667-6160 or (540) 631-1554 (Warren County).

Visit The Laurel Center online or Facebook for additional information.