Friday, Apr. 22, 2005

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Assault victims, advocates gather for ceremony

By LEE WILLIAMS
lwilliams@TheCitizenNews.com

A group of women from the Southern Crescent Sexual Assault Center held a ceremony April 12 in honor of an oak tree planted last year at McCurry Park in Fayetteville.

“The tree was planted last year for those who have endured and survived sexual assault within our community, embodying an ever growing strength and beauty with each passing year,” said Jody Hodges, a SCSAC advocate.

Among those who attended were author J. Marie Waldrep, who wrote "A Voice That Has Spoken From Within: A Survivor’s Feelings Expressed Through Poetry.”

Waldrep, who was assaulted by eight people including her brother and a preacher, wrote the book of poems to ease her suffering. She also mentors sexual assault victims via her Web site, The Mighty Phoenix.

Victim advocates from the Fayette County District Attorney and solicitor offices, Parks and Recreation officials, staff from Southern Crescent Sexual Assault Center and several local citizens also attended the event.

Waldrep, a 36-year-old Fayette County native, sought treatment at the center two years ago. The help she received was great, she said.

Tonya Burkett, the director of victim services, talked to Waldrep for weeks, several times a day and convinced her to see their therapist.

“She was very supportive and she listened to me cry,” Waldrep said.

Waldrep was afraid to see the therapist initially. But Burkett agreed to accompany her to give Waldrep the extra push she needed.

Knowing Waldrep had someone to turn to made the difference, she said.

“It’s just amazing to have the support, because it’s not real easy to find that kind of understanding and support,” Waldrep said.

Waldrep encourages other victims to seek help at the center.

The Jonesboro-based facility serves 450,000 people in Fayette, Henry, Clayton counties. For more information, sexual assault victims can call the center’s crisis hotline at 770-477-2177 or 770-603-4045.