Moving on Together
Sexual-assault survivor event seeks to empower, unite and heal

Local residents impacted by sexual assault need no longer feel as though they are suffering and coping alone. On Mon., May 15, what started off as a high school project will culminate in an evening of support, healing and unity for survivors and their loved ones at the Smiley Building.

The event, “Healing From Rape and Sexual Assault,” was the idea of Animas High School senior Ellis McNichol, who undertook the topic as part of her senior action project.

“Sexual assault hits close to home for me and a lot of my friends,” McNichol said during a recent interview. “It’s an important issue. If I was going to do something on this, I wanted it to be impactful.”

According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, one in six American women and one in 33 men will experience an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. Nine out of 10 victims are female, and every 98 seconds in this country, a person is sexually assaulted. (This according to the Justice Department’s annual National Crime Victimization Survey, which interviews thousands of Americans on crimes they’ve experienced, including those unreported. While the report has limitations – most notably children under age 12 are not included – it is considered the nation’s most reliable source of statistics.)

Statistics aside, however, McNichol – who will be pursuing a degree in nonprofit management at Lewis and Clark University – chose to focus on how positive social response, services and therapies can help victims move on. “I decided to create a one-day healing event for sexual assault victims, their family members and members of our community who want to show their support toward this issue,” she said. “But I also hope this event will stimulate dialogue and positive social responses through acknowledging rape as a serious issue that deserves to be talked about.”

McNichol said the seeds for the event were planted when she attended a poetry slam at Fort Lewis College, where the topic of sexual assault often came up. “I thought it was great that people got to express themselves, but it didn’t offer solutions,” she said.

Crediting her mother, who instilled compassion and community service in her at a young age (her first volunteer stint was at the age of 5 at the animal shelter), she got to work.

Her first step was to reach out to fellow community organizer, Rachel Turiel, who put on the Jan. 21 “RESPOND” event, also at the Smiley. “She was insanely helpful,” McNichol said.

The result is an event that features various therapists, herbalists, speakers and resources – what she calls a “sample platter” of healing methods. (And speaking of sample platter, food and drink will be served.) The evening will open with an “ice-breaker” activity, whereby participants will write down why they came on a paper flower petal, which will later go into making a public art project. From there, the evening will oscillate between talks, activities and an open “tabling” session, where attendees can peruse various organizations and businesses. Topics covered include everything from trauma to aroma-and art-therapy, yoga, meditation and acupuncture.

“Many people suffer from PTSD and anxiety as a result of sexual assault,” said McNichol. Therefore, some of the sessions and presenters will offer alternatives to pharmaceutical medications for anxiety and depression as well as stress-reducing exercises and activities. “We’re not going to be diving into the depths of your trauma, it’s just something you can do when you’re feeling stressed,” she said.

But for those who do want to explore those depths, resources will be available as well. Local therapist Ruby Jo Walker will conduct a 20-minute session on trauma and AXIS Health will be on hand with literature as well as a therapist who will be available one-on-one after the event. Sexual Assault Services Organization will also be there.

The evening will conclude with a candlelight vigil, which McNichol said she is looking forward to the most. “It’s probably my favorite part,” she said. “It represents healing and just bringing everyone together.”

McNichol said the event is open to any and everyone who has been affected by sexual assault.

“I want to show as many people as possible there are several resources available and Durango cares,” she said. She said she is especially reaching out to members of the LGBTQ community because statistically, they are at much higher risk for rape and sexual assault. She is also reaching out to teens and has gotten support from several student organizations, including Durango High Schools’ Feminist Club, Prejudice Elimination Team and Key Clubs as well as the AHS Gay Students Rights Club.

And for those who can’t make it – either emotionally or physically – McNichol plans to host a website with all the details as well. “Some people might not be comfortable coming in person, so we’ll create access there,” she said.

In addition to help from these groups and presenters, she is still seeking help in the form of donations for posters and other promotional items.

“I need to expose this event to as many people as possible,” she said. “Covering an issue as sensitive as this is one of the most important first steps our community needs to take in acknowledging this issue.”

To help or for more info, email e.mcnichol17@animashigh school.com. If interested in attending, check in at the “Healing from rape and sexual assault” page on Facebook so McNichol has an approximate head count.