Domestic violence survivor to speak at ECC Oct. 24
On Thursday, Oct. 24, LaTasha Unseld, speaker, advocate and survivor of domestic abuse, will be the featured speaker for the closing ceremony of the Elgin Community College and Community Crisis Center's Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
It will begin at 7 p.m. in the Seigle Auditorium, Building E, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Admission is free and open to the public.
"We all have a responsibility to not be silent, to be observant, and to look out for one another," said Megan Highland, student life coordinator. "We all play a vital part in the effort to educate about domestic violence and to be supportive advocates for victims and survivors."
"Silence Hides Violence: A Survivor's Journey" is the story of Unseld fight for survival and tranquility. She shares her testimony in hopes of inspiring victims not to give up and to find their purpose.
Her message to abuse survivors is, "Don't give up, live, love you, discover who you were meant to be, and be liberated!"
"It's incredibly important to have domestic violence and sexual assault awareness programming on college campuses. It engages the students and community together in conversations about these issues and fosters a safe and supportive environment for advocacy and healing," says Highland.
After the presentation, a candlelight vigil to honor those lost to domestic violence will be held.
Members of the community are also invited to view the Clothesline Project, a silent witness display that shares stories of victims and those killed by abusive partners.
The Clothesline is made up of T-shirts created by survivors of violence, or created in honor of someone who has experienced abuse.
The exhibit will be on display from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 22-23, in the International Lounge in Building F.
Counselors, social workers, and other professionals may receive 1.5 free continuing education units (CEU) for attending the presentation.
ECC's Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities are sponsored by ECC's Office of Student Life and the Community Crisis Center of Elgin.
For more information, contact student life at (847) 214-7370 or the Community Crisis Center at (847) 697-2380.