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Standing Silent Witness - Gurnee

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)—a time when communities across the country come together to raise awareness, support survivors, and take meaningful action to end sexual violence. 

Sexual violence remains a serious issue both nationally and here in Illinois. In the United States, someone is sexually assaulted approximately every 68 seconds, and more than 400,000 people experience sexual violence each year. Many survivors never report their assault due to fear, stigma, or lack of support. Here in Illinois, sexual assault service providers assist thousands of survivors annually through crisis hotlines, counseling, advocacy, and prevention programs—demonstrating just how critical community support and awareness remain. 

The Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter) will host “Standing Silent Witness,” a powerful local/national movement that amplifies the voices of survivors. Each year, community members gather and stand in silence for one hour, wearing shirts or holding signs that share the words and experiences of those impacted by sexual violence—voices that might otherwise go unheard. The demonstration is a simple yet powerful way to show survivors that the community sees them, hears them, and supports them. 

ZCenter provides free, confidential, and survivor-centered services, including counseling, advocacy, and prevention education. With locations in Skokie and Gurnee, the organization serves survivors and families across both Cook and Lake Counties while working to prevent sexual violence through education and community engagement. The theme color for Sexual Assault Awareness Month is teal. Please wear teal to the event.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984626470197?aff=oddtdtcreator