Abuse Survivor Speaks at ‘Take Back the Night’ Events

Nicole Bromley speaks at EMU
Nicole Braddock Bromley

“Take Back the Night,” a rally uniting men and women against sexual violence, will be held Monday through Thursday, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, at EMU.

The annual program seeks to build greater awareness of issues related to sexual violence, to provide safe settings to talk about the problem and to provide help to victims of sexual harassment and violence.

Guest speaker for the event is Nicole Braddock Bromley, author of the book, “Hush: Moving from Silence to Healing after Childhood Sexual Abuse.”

She will speak 10 a.m. Wed., Oct. 31 in Lehman Auditorium during university chapel on what she describes as “the best-kept secret in our nation today.” (See other upcoming chapels…)

“Hush” is a touching, warm and honest account of childhood sexual abuse and the path to recovery. The book is aimed both at persons who have suffered childhood sexual abuse and are searching for their own voice or those who have found their voice but need guidance in their journey toward healing as well as for anyone who wants greater understanding of a difficult topic.

Bromley is founder and director of OneVOICE Enterprises (www.onevoiceenterprises.com), an inspirational speaker and national spokesperson on sexual abuse and assault. She has been featured in news, magazines, national television programs and radio broadcasts across the country.

She will also speak at an informal session for women at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Northlawn Great Lounge.

“Take Back the Night” t-shirts with a “1 in 4” (one in four persons is sexually assaulted before age 18) message will be on sale Monday and Tuesday. Persons are encouraged to wear them to Wednesday’s chapel when Nicole Braddock Bromley speaks.

EMU junior Emily N. Gingrich will lead a self-defense workshop 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, in the Discipleship Center on the hill overlooking campus.

Activities will conclude with “an evening of sharing and healing” 10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, in the Common Grounds Coffeehouse on ground floor of the University Commons.

Professional counselors will be available at most sessions.

For more information, call the EMU department of social work and sociology at 540-432-4450.