Ark Republic partners with women-lead companies for a town hall to discuss the prevalent issues around sexual assault and harassment.
With the emergence of the #MeToo Movement, ground-breaking efforts have been made to address the history of sexual violence within the United States and beyond. To deepen the dialogue, Ark Republic teamed with Global Spectrum Group and Lisa Durden Unlimited Productions to hold a town hall meeting addressing pervasive issues of sexual assault.
The event titled, “I Believe Women: Sexual Assault Beyond A Reasonable Doubt,” takes place on Thursday, November 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, at Acorn Theatre in Times Square’s theater row. Admission is free and open to the public.
Joining the town hall are an esteemed group of panelists ranging from NYC commissioners, Cecile Noel and Dana Sussman, to activist, Margarita Guzman, and psychiatrist, Tolu Olupona. Other guests include, journalist and The Nation Institute Fellow, Reniqua Allen, along with philanthropist-humanitarian, Evelyn Mejil and criminal defense attorney, Scott Pennington.
“In a time when there are so many voices, we felt passionately about bringing forth an informative forum composed of frontline individuals who champion the rights of both women and men in our city every single day,” says Theresa O’Neal, Founder of Global Spectrum Group, LLC, an agency dedicated to serving non-profits, small business and entrepreneurs.
63,000 children a year are victims of sexual assault
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
Faces behind the trauma
Rape culture, unwanted advances and forced intercourse, are part of a long list of traumatic experiences for over half of the women in the US.
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in three women and one in six men, experienced some form of contact with sexual violence in their lifetime. Out of those who report, 91 percent are women and girls.
One of the many who carry stories of sexual assault is the town hall’s moderator, Lisa Durden, a pop culture and political commentator who is currently a contributor on the talk show program, “Chasing News.”
“When someone comes forward after sexual assault, they must be heard. Sadly, those like myself, who tell their stories, often face further attacks, along with those who speak out in support of survivors of sexual assault,” expresses Durden, founder of Lisa Durden Unlimited Productions. “In spite efforts to silence and shame, social justice leaders and courageous women all over the world are standing up for themselves and others.”
Out of every 100 sexual assaults, only 310 are reported
National Sexual Violence Resource Center
Time for some action
Ark Republic’s editor-in-chief and founder, Kaia Niambi Shivers adds, “Both personally and professionally, I’ve heard too many stories about sexual assault, harassment and rape. At some point, I had to turn the stories into some type of action. This town hall is just one of the things that we want to do to provide a platform and space that totally disrupts a culture that attempts to erase those affected.”
To register for the event, click here.
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