Press Release: Hundreds Gather in Support for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Harassment at Walk for Change

Attendees Raise over $200,000 for the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center as #MeToo Movement Drives Increased Demand for Services

The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) announces today that more than 1,500 attendees took part in its 13th annual Walk for Change on April 28 to show their support for survivors of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. The largest gathering in New England raising awareness of sexual violence, this year’s Walk for Change raised over $200,000 for BARCC services.

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley addressed the crowd and kicked off the Walk. BARCC recognized Pressley with the Beacon Award, which honors a leader who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to survivors of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. Pressley has been a longtime advocate for survivors who has brought her own experiences as a survivor to her work as a lawmaker.

“Each and every one of you, my survivor tribe . . . you are what guides me and strengthens me,” Pressley said as she spoke to attendees. “I want to thank every single person here, representing every walk of life. . . . Healing is power. And so we're doing something here powerful today as we walk for change."

Kennedy Elsey, host of the Mix 104.1 Morning Show, emceed the morning rally. In addition to the Walk along East Boston’s Constitution Beach and through Bremen Park, participants enjoyed a range of uplifting activities, including writing messages to survivors, an interactive art display focused on consent, morning yoga, a photo booth, face painting, food trucks, lawn games, and other activities for all ages.  

More than 105 teams, including 16 area college teams, took part in the Walk, and attendees collected more than 2,550 donations. All proceeds raised support BARCC’s comprehensive services, which include a 24-7 phone hotline and a web chat option, counseling, medical advocacy, assistance with legal and financial matters, and community education.

“To see so many people gathered to build a community of healing and hope is truly an inspiration. The diversity of the crowd embodies the fact that sexual assault, harassment, and abuse affect all of us. And it is only together that we can make change.” said Gina Scaramella, BARCC’s executive director. “We have been especially excited this year to bring the Walk to East Boston, a vibrant community that we are honored to serve among the 29 cities and towns that we offer free, confidential support to.”  

Champion sponsors of this year’s Walk for Change include Eastern Bank, Encore Boston Harbor, Patients Like Me, Ropes & Gray, and Sanofi Genzyme. Activist sponsors include Boston Medical Center; Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan; Boston IT Services; Delta Tau Delta NEU; Goulston & Storrs; Isaacson, Miller; Morgan Lewis; Massachusetts General Hospital; Newton-Wellesley Hospital; Northeastern University; and Sherin and Lodgen.

Contact:  media@barcc.org or 617-649-1288.

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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 is held annually in April, during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Each year, the event brings together a variety of people—survivors, friends and loved ones, students from area high schools and universities, community members, local corporations, and others—from Greater Boston and beyond to walk in solidarity with survivors and as part of the movement to prevent sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. It also helps raise necessary funds for BARCC. Use #BARCCWalk4Change and #TheTimeIsNow to show your support and spread the word.

About the 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 from the immediate crisis after sexual violence to years and decades later, 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. Follow BARCC on social media: Twitter @barcc; Instagram @barccofficial; Facebook /barcc.org.