Lakeland hosting #MeToo event for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Last fall, Hollywood celebrities brought attention to the #MeToo and Time’s Up social movements.

Since then, there has been an increase of sexual assault hotline calls all over the United States.

In November, calls to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) increased by 25 percent in November and 30 percent in December.

The Lake County Victim Assistance Hotline, which is a registered RAINN hotline, also had more calls than usual.

“This tells me that there are victims and survivors within our own community and that they are in need of emotional support and resources,” said Kristin Llewellyn, volunteer coordinator for the Lake County Prosecutor Victim Assistance Program. “It seems as though that this year, more so than ever, victims and survivors of sexual assault are trying to find their voice and assert themselves.”

Since April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Victim Assistance has teamed up with Eastlake Police Victim Advocates for a special outreach event called “#MeToo: What Happens Next? Sexual Assault Awareness and Response.”

The program will be held April 25 at Lakeland Community College and is open to the public.

Speakers include a 16-year-old Lake County girl who survived sexual assault, Lake County Victim Advocate Victoria LaMarco, Painesville police Sgt. Michael Bailey, Lake County Crime Lab officials and Assistant Lake County Prosecutor Patrick Condon.

Eastlake victim advocates will also touch on Marsy’s Law, named after Marsalee Nicholas, a University of California Santa Barbara student who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. In November 2017, Ohio voters overwhelmingly approved Issue 1 (Marsy’s Law), to add a list of rights for crime victims to the state constitution.

These include timely notification of all court proceedings, notice when the accused is released or escapes and the opportunity for a court hearing if they feel their rights have been violated.

“The program is going to be victim-centered,” said Llewellyn. “Our goal is to try to give them better outcomes. It’s never too late to get help. The big thing is not giving up hope.”

Topics will include making sure teens and tweens understand what consent is, alcohol and travel safety and parents looking for childcare.

“We’re trying to prevent sexual assault and spread awareness,” she said. “I think people are going to be inspired.”

“#MeToo: What Happens Next?” will be held from noon to 1 p.m. at Lakeland, 7700 Clocktower Dr. in Kirtland, in the T-Building, room 129. For more information, visit lakelandcc.edu/police or call 440-525-7241.

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