Just before High Noon last Thursday, a wreath was carried in front of the Breathitt County Justice Center. It would soon be brought over to the Courthouse to serve as a memorial to those victims of sexual assault in this county. And as a reminder that those who suffer can find help and solutions.

A crowd of about fifteen persons descended on the sidewalk where the wreath was standing. On it was a teal-colored bow, which signifies the month of March as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in this county, and throughout the Kentucky River region. Also on the wreath, a sign showing two bears between a jar of honey, which is now the official logo of the Breathitt Violence Prevention Coalition.

The logo said, “Respect Your Honey. Love Doesn’t Hurt”.

Some in the group began passing out small teal ribbons, also as a reminder of those who died as a result of sexual assault. Coalition President Mildred Lee Rogers then read a Proclamation from County Judge-Executive Harvey Jason Richardson and Jackson Mayor Mike Miller in connection with Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Afterwards, she told those gathered around the wreath, “People like us are here to do something about this. It has to stop. Sexual abuse does happen across the nation, and it does happen here in Breathitt County. It shouldn’t have to happen anywhere.”

They moved a few feet towards the Courthouse steps as the welcome Noonday sun began to stare down over the city. An opening prayer was said by Reverend Eldon Miller. “Lord, give those people who are victims of this abuse comfort, and prevent this from others,” he told the hushed crowd. Gathered around the steps, their bowed heads slowly rose up to hear another plea from Rogers. “We have to be a part of the solution. For those who aren’t able to do it for themselves, or for those who need help.”

A few in the audience passed out a thin piece of paper, resembling a large bookmark. Printed on both sides of the paper were names and phone numbers of organizations, who provide assistance. Emergency numbers, Crisis Hotlines, State Department of Protection and Permanency, ambulance services, mental health counseling, hospitals, legal services, and other links to help in Breathitt, Wolfe, Lee and Owsley Counties were shown.

Each person attending got one. Some like Rev. Miller, took several. “We’re concerned with those who’ve been victimized, and that’s why I’ll take these lists to all the pastors in the county.” Rev. Miller is President of the Breathitt County Ministerial Association, and said the lists will help inform fellow churchmembers that there is a place for them to go for help, or can refer to others.

When the lists were passed out, the ceremony closed out with prayer, again from Rev. Miller. “We’re about to place this wreath for the victims, and that this will give us wisdom and answers.” Then the wreath with the big teal ribbon was moved one more time, to a permanent spot on the Courthouse lawn, near the intersection of Main and Brown Streets.

Rogers added the group has promised to put another ribbon on the wreath next month, and in the months ahead, as a memorial to those whose lives were cut short by other forms of abuse. And she said to those looking for a beacon of hope, “Our coalition is about finding help, and finding solutions. We work with KRCC (Kentucky River Community Care), the state organizations, the Ministerial Association, and of course the community. They’ve received us very well.”

“It’s a wonderful thing that we can all get together and stand up for these people,” added Sheena Spencer, who’s KRCC’s Outreach Coordinator for Breathitt and Owsley Counties. “We do this because together we can make a world of difference.” It was a sentiment echoed by Lisa Debord, who’s a Court Advocate and Case Manager at the LKLP Safehouse in Hazard. Saying she sees firsthand those scarred by sexual assault in Breathitt, Owsley, Lee and Wolfe Counties, Debord told the Voice after the ceremony that there’s strength in numbers. “It’s great how all the counties in this area are pulling together. Events like this wreath-laying should have been done a long time ago. It takes people to pull together to end the cycle. It takes teamwork.”