‘A Stand Against Sexual Violence’ hopes to start the conversation about abuse

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Folks gathered today at Jengo’s Playhouse for A Stand Against Sexual Violence. The event was a peaceful gathering aimed at starting the conversation about rape culture and putting an end to sexual abuse in our communities.

Representatives from the Rape Crisis Center spoke about programs in schools that reach out to students and talk about things like consent. Presenters spoke about things like rape’s representation in film and how that plays a role in how it is perceived culturally.

Organizer Susan Kranyik said the goal of the event was to get people talking.

“We have to talk about why rape culture is so rampant. We have to talk about what it actually is. We have to talk about victim shaming, it’s still happening. We have to talk about why people are afraid to talk about the fact that they were raped. Why they’re afraid to go to the police,” said Kranyik.