Press Release: Walk for Change

Join the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center for 11th Annual Walk for Change

Show up for survivors on Sunday, April 23

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jessica L. Atcheson, media@barcc.org, 617-649-1822

BOSTON, March 27, 2017—The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center’s 11th annual Walk for Change will take place Sunday, April 23, at DCR’s Artesani Park in Brighton, MA. More than 2,000 people are expected to show up for survivors, making the event the largest gathering in New England raising awareness of sexual violence and supporting survivors. This year’s theme is “The Power of You: Supporting All Survivors.”

“With the public eye on sexual assault in politics, on campuses, and in the military, survivors of sexual assault need to hear that we've got their back. We believe them, and we support their journeys to heal and seek justice,” said Gina Scaramella, BARCC’s Executive Director. “Boston is a leader in supporting survivors, and we hope everyone who cares about preventing sexual violence will show up in support of survivors. Participating in the Walk for Change is an easy way to show survivors—and the general public—that power should never be used to commit acts of sexual harassment and violence.” 

BARCC depends upon the money raised at the Walk for Change to provide free services to survivors and their families in the immediate crisis and long after as they navigate the health-care, criminal justice, social service, and school systems. BARCC maintains a 24-hour hotline and works with a wide range of organizations and communities to advocate for change. BARCC also provides training in how to respond to survivors and create cultures that prevent sexual violence in the first place.

Registration for the Walk for Change begins at 8:30 a.m. on April 23 at DCR’s Artesani Park in Brighton, MA. Starbucks Brighton will be there serving up free coffee to early arrivals. Kennedy Elsey, cohost of the Mix 104.1 Morning Show, will emcee the morning rally, which will kick off the event. Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley will give the keynote speech. The Diamond Family Circus Teen Troupe will also perform, and there will be a photo booth, face painting, food trucks, lawn games, and other activities for all ages. Participants will also have the opportunity to write a message of support to survivors. At 10 a.m., the official 2.6-mile Walk along the Charles River will begin.

To register for the 11th annual Walk for Change and to get additional information, please visit the Walk for Change website at barccwalk.org/2017. Registration is $30 for adults, $10 for children, and $5 for dogs (must be on leashes). For those unable to attend the event on April 23, please show your support by donating to BARCC.

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About the Walk for Change

The Walk for Change supports the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, bringing awareness and raising funds to end sexual violence. Since 2006, the Walk for Change has been held annually in April, during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Each year, the event brings together local residents and students in Boston to walk in solidarity with survivors and as part of the movement to end sexual violence. It also helps raise necessary funds for BARCC. Every year the 2.6-mile walk begins in Brighton and loops around the Charles River. Use #BARCCWalk4Change and #ShowUpforSurvivors to show your support and spread the word.

About Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)

Founded in 1973, the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center has a mission to end sexual violence through healing and social change. BARCC provides free, confidential support and services to all survivors of sexual violence ages 12 and up and their families and friends throughout Greater Boston. It works with survivors regardless of when the assault occurred, and its goal is to empower survivors to heal and seek justice. BARCC also works with a wide range of organizations and communities, including schools, colleges, and police, to advocate for change. It provides training in how to respond to survivors and create cultures that prevent sexual violence in the first place. Follow BARCC on social media: Twitter @barcc; Instagram @barccofficial; Facebook /barcc.org.