Vigil Against Violence Rape Victims Urge Other Survivors To Speak Out Against Sexual Assault

They came to stop the silence.

With a candle in one hand and a piece of ribbon in the other, about 50 people gathered Monday night outside the Spokane County Courthouse to speak out against sexual assault and urge survivors to tell their stories.

The third annual Sexual Assault Awareness Vigil brought together victims, friends and community volunteers.

“Being raped was cruel and hideous,” said Stephy Beans, who was raped twice - the first time at 13 and again at 17. “But I lived … I emerged from my cocoon. I spread my wings.”

Only one out of 10 victims report sexual assault to police or other agencies, said Laurie McKettrick, education specialist for the Spokane Sexual Assault Center.

In 1995, 139 cases were reported, she said.

In 1996, more than 900 people turned to the Sexual Assault Center for help.

“We need a better awareness of the type of violence that happens here,” McKettrick said.

For half an hour early Monday evening, people listened to speakers like Beans share their experiences as rape victims. They held hands and hugged one another. Some cried as they heard the stories.

Beans, now 42, didn’t tell her parents about the rapes until she was 27. She was too ashamed, she told the crowd.

“I am a survivor, and I will help others to succeed,” she said.

Despite drizzle and a cold wind that kept blowing out the candles, the crowd stayed. They gathered around a wreath made of twigs tied together with a yellow ribbon. At the foot of the wreath was a sign. “Honor the survivors,” it said.

People took turns tying ribbons on the wreath, each telling a story.

“This is for Kathy,” one woman said.

“As a symbol of hope for men and women everywhere,” said another.

“This is for myself 20 years ago.”

By the end of the vigil, the brown wreath was a rainbow of ribbons - red, yellow, purple, blue.

“I want to support those who are holding this inside of them,” said Krisana Lavin, an Eastern Washington University student who came to Spokane for the event. “I want them to know there are others out there to help.”

The vigil was sponsored by the Sexual Assault Center and Spokane COPS.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 2 color photos

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: THE WEEK’S ACTIVITIES Today - Laurie McKettrick of the Sexual Assault Center speaks about flirting, harassment and rape; 11:30 a.m., Spokane Falls Community College. Wednesday - Ellen Gootblatt speaks about love, sex and relationships; 7 p.m., Eastern Washington University’s Pence Union Building. Thursday - Candlelight vigil to honor victims of violent crime; 7 p.m., Public Safety Building alcove. Friday - “Secrets,” a play presented by the Lewis and Clark High School drama department; 7 p.m., at Lewis and Clark. Free admission, donations accepted.