Community partnerships and brave individuals were honored Friday, April 11, during the annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month Ceremony, which brought to light troubling statistics, but also the work that is being done locally to help survivors heal and to bring prevention education to youths and adults.
In her opening remarks, Debbie Brownlee, TCN Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crisis Center program director, lauded the dedicated efforts of a variety of community partners – law enforcement, the faith community, school districts, children’s services and hospital staff – to offering safe spaces and unwavering support to sexual assault survivors.
“Today, we stand together with survivors. We create a voice for change that cannot be ignored.
“You are not alone; your story matters and you are believed.”
Brownlee also praised the actions of state legislators, who last year approved additional funding for sexual assault crisis centers totaling about $15 million per year for 2024 and 2025.
With increased funding, TCN started its local Violence Prevention Team in February 2024. Staff members Mallory Centers and Ashley Buck have been working on new youth education requirements related to Erin’s Law.
Erin’s Law now mandates all schools present developmentally appropriate education to K-12 grade students about child abuse and teen dating violence.
Ohio was the 38th state to pass Erin’s Law in December 2022, spearheaded by Illinois resident Erin Merryn, a childhood sexual abuse survivor who now as an adult, has made it her mission to ensure that this legislation is passed in all 50 states to give children a voice and a brighter future.
Centers and Buck noted that an estimated 42 million people in the U.S. are survivors of childhood sexual assault.
One in four girls and one in six boys have been sexually abused before their 18th birthday, according to statistics from erinslaw.org.
While “stranger danger” is often taught to youngsters, more than 90 percent of childhood abuse survivors are sexually abused by someone they know and trust.
The presenters said about 59 percent of childhood sexual abuse involves an acquaintance of the child, and approximately 34 percent of cases involve a family member of the child.
Among those honored Friday, a local businesswoman took the spotlight to share how she has overcome past sexual assault to now running a successful business that gives back by empowering women.
“It took therapy every week for four years to process my trauma, but now here I am today,” said Logan Brumbaugh, owner and CEO of Medusa Fitness, who has lived in Bellefontaine for the past 10 years and recently became a TCN volunteer.
“We are not defined by what is done TO us, but how we conquer the hurdles life gives us.”
In October 2023, Brumbaugh founded Medusa Fitness as a premium, size-inclusive activewear brand at medusafit.com. From each piece sold, 10 percent of sales are donated to an Ohio sexual abuse organization.
Also during the ceremony, Buck and Centers honored several area school districts and educators for their work to implement Erin’s Law in the classroom.
Shalie Logan, Bellefontaine High School guidance counselor, was recognized for working with TCN’s staff to offer teen dating violence prevention education and healthy relationship bingo.
At Indian Lake Schools, Mike Hunter and Erin Miller were honored for helping to implement programming for fifth-graders in health class.
In addition, Ohio Hi-Point Career Center mental health counselor Angie Haver and school counselor Samantha Gessler, along with Riverside Schools guidance counselor Debbie Hughes-Gonterman were awarded certificates for their supportive work with students as well.
Riverside High School sophomore Keira Manahan received special recognition for single-handedly organizing teen dating violence awareness month activities at her school.
Sharon Hager accepted an award certificate on behalf of the Logan Piecemakers. The quilting guild created 126 handmade bags for sexual assault survivors, which are filled with comfortable clothing and hygiene items to provide a tangible gift of comfort during a difficult time.
A 24-hour domestic violence crisis line is available at (877) 394-1094.
The Soteria House is TCN’s 24-hour domestic violence/sexual assault shelter in Logan County, offering safe, secure temporary housing for victims/survivors and their children.
