Heroes walk to stop sexual violence
Rape Crisis Center holds awareness effort at Public Square
Photo by SCOTT KRISKA Staff members of the Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties, some donning their superhero garb, entertained the crowd with some dance moves before the Walk of Heroes started.
MEDINA – Local residents visiting Public Square May 26 participated in a special event to raise awareness of sexual violence and local efforts to combat it.
The Walk of Heroes was a superhero-themed walk around the Square held to promote the Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties and its services. Several of the participants wore superhero costumes as they joined the large group in the walk around the area of the square.
Cindy Bloom is the director of the Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties. She said this annual awareness effort has been held in Summit County for 12 years, but this is the first year it has been held in Medina. She also pointed out the name of this effort has changed from years past.
“It used to be ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,’ but we changed it to ‘Walk of Heroes’ to be more inclusive of all survivors of sexual violence,” Bloom explained.
Displays containing sexual assault statistics and services provided by the Rape Crisis Center were placed around the gazebo for participants to read before the walk. Representatives of the center also gave away pamphlets and other items related to the center’s mission.
Before the group of residents left the square, some short presentations were given to exemplify the efforts of the Rape Crisis Center and those who support it to raise awareness of and combat sexual violence in Medina County. Mayor Dennis Hanwell also presented the center’s representatives with a proclamation recognizing its services to the community. After the presentations, the participants proceeded to walk around the neighborhood north of the square and back to the gazebo.
Bloom said one goal of the Walk of Heroes is to inform Medina County residents of the services the Rape Crisis Center offers, including a 24-hour hotline, therapy programs, support groups and advocacy services, both in person and over the phone. She said the center also holds prevention programs in the schools throughout Medina and Summit Counties.
“What we really want to do is bring awareness that the Rape Crisis Center is in Medina County and we want to empower everyone so they can make a difference in stopping sexual violence,” Bloom said.
The Rape Crisis Center’s 24-hour crisis hotline can be reached by calling 330-434-7273 or toll-free at 1-877-906-7273. More information on its services can be found at rccmsc.org or by e-mailing info-rcc@scmcbws.org.
The Walk of Heroes was a superhero-themed walk around the Square held to promote the Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties and its services. Several of the participants wore superhero costumes as they joined the large group in the walk around the area of the square.
Cindy Bloom is the director of the Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties. She said this annual awareness effort has been held in Summit County for 12 years, but this is the first year it has been held in Medina. She also pointed out the name of this effort has changed from years past.
“It used to be ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,’ but we changed it to ‘Walk of Heroes’ to be more inclusive of all survivors of sexual violence,” Bloom explained.
Displays containing sexual assault statistics and services provided by the Rape Crisis Center were placed around the gazebo for participants to read before the walk. Representatives of the center also gave away pamphlets and other items related to the center’s mission.
Before the group of residents left the square, some short presentations were given to exemplify the efforts of the Rape Crisis Center and those who support it to raise awareness of and combat sexual violence in Medina County. Mayor Dennis Hanwell also presented the center’s representatives with a proclamation recognizing its services to the community. After the presentations, the participants proceeded to walk around the neighborhood north of the square and back to the gazebo.
Bloom said one goal of the Walk of Heroes is to inform Medina County residents of the services the Rape Crisis Center offers, including a 24-hour hotline, therapy programs, support groups and advocacy services, both in person and over the phone. She said the center also holds prevention programs in the schools throughout Medina and Summit Counties.
“What we really want to do is bring awareness that the Rape Crisis Center is in Medina County and we want to empower everyone so they can make a difference in stopping sexual violence,” Bloom said.
The Rape Crisis Center’s 24-hour crisis hotline can be reached by calling 330-434-7273 or toll-free at 1-877-906-7273. More information on its services can be found at rccmsc.org or by e-mailing info-rcc@scmcbws.org.