How to Talk about the Walk for Change, BARCC, and More

Are you participating in the Walk for Change and not sure how to talk to people about it? Want to fundraise for BARCC but don’t know how to describe what we do? We’ve got some talking points for you!

About the Walk for Change

• The Walk for Change supports the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC), helping to raise awareness and funds to end sexual harassment, assault, and abuse.
• It’s an inspiring event that celebrates community, healing, and hope.
• It’s for everyone: survivors, families and friends, anyone who cares about supporting survivors and preventing 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 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 gather in solidarity with survivors and as part of the movement to prevent sexual violence.
• 2023 is the 17th Annual Walk for Change! 
• The Walk for Change helps raise necessary funds for BARCC so that its services can remain free for survivors and their loved ones.
• Use #BARCCWalk4Change to show your support and spread the word.

About the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center

• The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center’s mission is 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.
• Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, BARCC has been supporting survivors remotely on the phone and online. We've done the following to ensure that survivors continue to receive the support they need and deserve:
  • Piloted video medical advocacy to support survivors in the hospital during physical distancing
  • Moved our confidential counseling to telehealth and virtual sessions as survivors faced increased isolation
  • Responded to a surge in requests from survivors facing hunger and homelessness during COVID-19
  • Transformed our trainings and tailored them to the new normal
• BARCC supports survivors of all genders from the immediate crisis after sexual violence to years and decades later. BARCC’s goal is to empower survivors to heal and seek justice in ways that are meaningful to them.
• 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.
• BARCC has a range of free services, which include a phone and web chat hotline, medical advocacy and accompaniment at local emergency rooms, counseling, assistance with housing and financial challenges, and legal advocacy.
• Founded in 1973, BARCC is the only comprehensive rape crisis center in the Greater Boston area and the oldest and largest center of its kind in New England. It is a national leader in sexual violence response and prevention.

About sexual violence

• Check out basic statistics and information about sexual violence.
• Sexual violence is a choice that a perpetrator makes to exert power and control over someone else—and it is never a survivor's fault. Survivors need, and deserve, support.
• As community members, we all have a responsibility to create a culture that prevents sexual violence and supports survivors.
• Chances are that you have survivors in your life (even if you don’t know it).
• Survivors often do not report due to fear, shame, etc. False reports are incredibly rare.

Looking for more tips on how to talk to people about sexual violence?

Check out this post from one of our Community Awareness and Prevention Services staffers!