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Safe Berks Response to Courageous Statements by Lonnie Walker IV

By Safe Berks

Jun 17, 2020
Safe Berks

Safe Berks stands in support of Lonnie Walker IV and all victims of childhood sexual abuse. Lonnie is a hero to so many people in Reading, Berks County, and across the nation, because of his amazing basketball talent, and because of the support and kindness he gives to others in so many ways. By bravely speaking out about this abuse, others who have suffered may find the courage to reach out for help. Safe Berks is here to help. Our 24-hour Hotline is 844-789-SAFE (7233) or text SAFE BERKS to 20121. For Legal Services, call 610-373-1206, ext. 107. For Counseling, call 610-373-1206, ext. 606.

 Safe Berks serves survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, including survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Safe Berks services are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All services are available in English and Spanish, and translation will be utilized for any other language needed.

 Everyone at Safe Berks is grateful to Lonnie for his courage in speaking out about sexual abuse. Every survivor who speaks out helps break down the stigma and silence which surround these crimes. We are also grateful to Lonnie for everything he does to support the Reading and Berks County community. At Thanksgiving, Lonnie gives out turkeys and words of inspiration to families in Reading. In the summer, Lonnie teaches basketball to Reading children at free basketball camps. We are grateful to the Lonnie Walker IV Foundation for donating food and other needed items to Safe Berks residents.

 Safe Berks, formerly known as Berks Women in Crisis, served more than 4,000 clients in the past year. Our Safe House provided shelter to approximately 800 people, including 400 children, in the past year.

End the Stigma

 In order to prevent childhood sexual abuse, we need an open and honest discussion in our community. We need to end the stigma that surrounds childhood sexual abuse. This stigma causes victims to live in fear and silence. This stigma protects abusers. We need to make sure everyone understands that no one deserves to be abused, and that compassionate, free help is available 24/7.

 By talking openly about childhood sexual abuse, we can help victims find assistance, and prevent future abuse. We need to stop thinking about childhood sexual abuse as a personal, private issue, and understand that it is a community issue. This abuse affects all of us. We welcome the help of all members of the Berks community to end domestic violence, sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse. Information is available on our website at www.SafeBerks.org, as well as on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. We welcome your assistance. To learn more about how you can help Safe Berks, contact Mindy McIntosh, Director of Development, at [email protected].  

 The Safe Berks Education and Outreach Department is providing online learning opportunities for all ages, in English and Spanish, via our Facebook page and other social media platforms. These educational programs aim to prevent domestic violence, sexual assault, and childhood sexual abuse. For more information about our free Education and Outreach services and materials, email Lisa Tumbleson, Director of Education & Outreach, at [email protected].

 Safe Berks provides safe haven and support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our advocacy and education programs increase awareness of oppression and promote the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault.

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