Boston Area Rape Crisis Center marks 50th anniversary with annual ‘Walk for Change’ on Sunday
The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center is marking its 50th anniversary this year with its annual “Walk for Change” at Constitution Beach in East Boston on Sunday, organizers said.
Attendees can take part in the walk either in person at Constitution Beach at 799 Bennington St. in East Boston or virtually.
“Survivors, friends, family members, elected officials and activists will gather for a day of healing, hope, and reflection,” the organization said in a statement.
Attendees are encouraged to register before the event.
The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center was founded in 1973 in the Cambridge Women’s Center by a group of volunteers and survivors dedicated to building a hotline to answer calls from rape survivors, according to its website. The center provides free, confidential support and services for survivors of sexual violence and their families.
One out of every six American women has been the victim of an attempted or complete rape in her lifetime, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, or RAINN, in Washington, D.C.
Women ages 18 to 24 who are college students are three times more likely than women in general to experience sexual violence, according to RAINN.
On Wednesday, a 33-year-old Level 3 sex offender with a prior conviction was held without bail following his arraignment on charges that he attacked and sexually assaulted an MIT student in Boston last weekend.
Funds raised during Sunday’s “Walk for Change” to benefit the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center will be used to continue providing free, confidential services to 15,000 survivors, their families, and communitywill members, organizers said.
The event is featuring remarks from BARCC Interim Executive Director, Duane de Four and Former City Councilor and survivors advocate Tito Jackson.
Paid parking is available at the Orient Heights T Parking Lot at 99 St. Edward Road, East Boston. The event is family and dog friendly and will feature fun activities for adults and children.
Anyone who has experienced sexual violence or knows a victim of sexual violence can get help by calling the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center’s hotline at 800-841-8371 or the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673), which will connect you with a trained staff member who can assist you.
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