Featured Image: The Healing Tree,  by Amy Elise

For the ninth year in a row, teens and adults who have survived sexual abuse will be gathering together for Break the Silence, a sexual abuse poetry night on Friday, April 27th. They are joined there by this year’s speaker, local artist Amy Elise.

Amy Elise is a survivor of child sexual abuse and lives with Dissociative Identity Disorder, a condition that used to be called Multiple Personality Disorder. She has several personalities that live inside of her, many of whom who are artists. She will be telling her story and sharing all of their artwork.

Local therapist, Anne Crothers of Healing Works in Allentown, sponsors the event which will be held at Gallery 415 at 417 Front Street, Catasauqua, PA on Friday, April 2tth from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Survivors, friends and family 14 and older are encouraged to break the silence for one night! Proceeds will go to benefit Pennsylvania Coalition against Rape (PCAR).

Those brave enough to read a poem will receive a “swag bag” with products donated by local businesses, therapists and survivors. There is a dinner, a band and a raffle. The band includes two Allentown musicians, Sam Crothers and Bob Perrone and their friend, Hugh Brenner from Ardmore, PA.

Anne Crothers, M. Ed. created the event in 2010 due to her work with sexual abuse survivors of all ages, and their need for community to reduce shame. April is National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and also National Poetry Month, so the event is usually held on the last Friday in April.

For more information about this event, see sexualabusepoetrynight.webs.com

For more information about Anne Crothers and/or Healing Works, see healingworksallentown.com

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Anne K. Crothers, M.Ed.
Therapist/Owner
Healing Works
1644 W. Walnut St., rear
Allentown, PA 18102
HealingWorksAllentown.com
610-432-2168