Phoenix Project and The Laurel Center host candlelight vigil to honor survivors of sexual violence

On Thursday, April 13th, 2023, from 7 pm to 8 pm, Phoenix Project and The Laurel Center joined forces to host a candlelight ceremony at the Gazebo in Downtown Front Royal, located at the corner of Main and Chester Streets. The event honored survivors of sexual violence in the local community through music, poetry readings, and survivor stories.

The ceremony was brief but a moving tribute to the courage and resilience of those who have experienced sexual assault. Survivors were offered a safe space to share their stories and connect with others who have gone through similar experiences. The event will also serve as a reminder that there is hope and healing for those who have been affected by sexual violence.

Phoenix Project, a local non-profit organization, has been providing support and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault since 1985. The Laurel Center, a local domestic and sexual violence agency, has been serving the community for over 30 years, providing crisis intervention, advocacy, and counseling services to survivors of abuse.

The event was open to the public, and all were welcome to attend. Attendees were encouraged to bring candles and light them in honor of the survivors.

“We believe that it’s important to come together as a community to support survivors of sexual violence and honor their resilience,” said a representative from Phoenix Project. “We hope that this event will offer a space for survivors to connect with others and feel the support of their community.”

For more information about the event or to learn more about Phoenix Project and The Laurel Center, please visit their respective websites at www.phoenix-project.org and www.thelaurelcenter.org.

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