LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Crime Victim Services hosted “Brave and Bright: Voices of Holiday Healing", highlighting the challenges the holiday season can bring for survivors.
The evening focused on spoken word and poetry, led by local poet and author Courtney Owens. The event was supported by an Ohio Department of Health Sexual Assault Services Program grant. Organizers said the goal was to create a space for survivors to gather, share and focus on healing through art and food.
“Especially during this time when the holidays can be rough for survivors, a lot of times we end up going to functions and meals with the very people who may have caused us harm,” said Carla Thompson, prevention coordinator at Crime Victim Services. “This gives people an opportunity to come out, be in community with each other, talk about what healing might look like and share art around that.”
“A lot of our healing is about providing supportive services when someone needs to talk to someone who understands what they’re going through,” said Charla Lauth, a survivor advocate with Crime Victim Services. “Many people call just to vent, to cry or because they’re angry and want someone to hear their story.”
Survivors can access 24-hour crisis advocacy and support through the agency year-round. More information is available at crimevictimservices.org.
