The Remley Center Helps Fulton Community Embrace Its Voice

Westminster Students and Remley interns (from left to right Yusuf Nuur, Khaled Khalili, Victoria Freeman, Dr. Kasi Lacey, Eljesa Hyseni, Golly Easterly, Shannon McCaul, Jordan Esry, and Pfifer Duerkop) supporting CARDV at the Take Back the Night event. PHOTO BY LUCY KREJCI.

BY LUCY KREJCI
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

The Remley Women’s Advocates of Westminster College teamed up with Fulton’s Coalition Against Rape and Violence (CARDV) April 10 to hold their first ever Take Back the Night event.

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Take Back the Night is an international non-profit organization that works to end sexual, relational, and domestic violence in all forms. Every year, it holds numerous events worldwide to raise awareness as a way to prevent future violence. The events usually include a march and rally in symbolism of women walking through the night and to demonstrate that women can overcome fear and violence.

The Remley interns and Westminster students marched from the columns to Fulton City Hall to meet the police department, CARDV staff, and others as the community came together to stand against rape and domestic violence.

While at the event, attendees from the community posted encouraging notes on a whiteboard that read, “Embrace your Voice.” In addition, they lit up the night with CARDV flashlights to show their unity and listened to the story of a domestic violence survivor as well.

“It was truly empowering to both hear from someone whose life has been so hugely affected by personal violence, and to see all of the incredible ways that they are using their voice to reverse the problem,” said Remley intern Golly Easterly, ’18.

The speaker, Holly Bickmeyer, shared her experience of growing up with an abusive stepfather and a violent boyfriend, and how she gained her voice. Bickmeyer grew up in Fulton, and although she currently resides in Rolla, Mo., she assured the crowd that her “heart lies in Callaway County.” Her roots in the community and courage to share her story had an impact on those who attended.

“It was truly empowering to both hear from someone whose life has been so hugely affected by personal violence, and to see all of the incredible ways that they are using their voice to reverse the problem,” said Remley intern Golly Easterly, ’18.

The Remley Center provides supportive services and information to anyone in the Westminster community affected by gender-based inequalities, intolerance, and sexual assault and violence. The collaboration with CARDV and Take Back the Night is one example of how the community is working together to help people find support and confidence to embrace their voice.

The Remley Center’s April 2018 Newsletter can be found at this link:  https://spark.adobe.com/page/SPNSyTpj9hzlB/