Domestic Violence Coalition Promotes Awareness at ‘Speak Up’ Event

ZANESVILLE, OH – April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Today at Zane State College, the community came together to speak up and end the silence.

The Muskingum County Domestic Violence Coalition hosted its “Speak Up, No More Silence” event, focused on raising awareness about childhood sexual abuse. The event was free to attend and provided education and resources for those impacted.

“I think it’s important to raise awareness because people need to know that even though something happened maybe 15 years ago, they can still get justice from that and get closure.” Domestic Violence Coalition Coordinator, Dorothy Thomas, said.

Organizers say the event also focused on how the community can respond, with insight from the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office, along with a keynote speaker sharing their story as a survivor of sexual assault.

“It means a lot to me that I can finally stand up and share my story. We went through the justice system last year, so this is new that I’m able to speak on my truth.” Survivor of Childhood Sexual Assault and Keynote Speaker, Tiffany Thomas, said. “When I came forward with my case, it came out that there were multiple victims of the same abuser. It really helped everybody get the justice that they need.”

The Muskingum County Domestic Violence Coalition plans to host this event again next year.