Manley Joins Community in Fighting Sexual Violence against Women

JOLIET, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, joined Guardian Angel Community Services Sexual Assault Service Center for their annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, as the organization culminated their efforts to raise awareness about sexual violence throughout April.

“Since 1997, the Sexual Assault Service Center has provided assistance to survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones,” Manley said. “This event gives the men of our community an opportunity to show that they stand with us in the fight against sexual violence.”

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is an annual event of The International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault and Gender Violence. The event takes place during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and provides an opportunity for men to raise awareness in their community about the causes and impact of sexual violence against women.

The Sexual Assault Services Center continues to earn recognition for its excellence in delivering these vital services, including a 24-hour hotline to counseling services, legal and medical advocacy, and community education programs. Despite the ongoing budget impasse, the center has worked to continue these essential services for residents. Manley recently voted to provide vital funding for the center as part of the lifeline budget passed by the Illinois House.

“The change over the last two decades has been incredible. We’re so appreciative of what protection laws have done for survivors,” said Donna Plier, the Sexual Assault Service Center program manager. “The laws have changed, the processes have changed and the culture continues to change.”

For more information, please contact Manley’s constituent service office at repmanley@gmail.com or 815-725-2741.