Crisis Center Heals Individuals And Community

Benefit Set To Support The Work of Northwest Arkansas Rape Crisis Center

Staff Report

The Northwest Arkansas Rape Crisis Center (NWARCC) provides a safe haven of healing and hope to those affected by sexual violence and constantly works toward a safer future for all through education and awareness. Since 1982, NWARCC’s mission-driven work has offered free, comprehensive support to survivors of sexual assault while actively addressing the individual and community hurt caused by those who perpetrate.

Broad Daylight, a Fayetteville folk group whose members are Leslie Oelsner, Dorothy Marcy, Mira Holiman, Susanne Oliver, Joy Fox, Judith Matthews and Nancy Harris, will perform a benefit concert on Fri., June 28 to support the work of NWARCC.

“Broad Daylight performs music with message of hope, healing and change, so it is important to us to share our music as a way to support the work of the Rape Crisis Center,” said Dorothy Marcy. Marcy also serves as a Counseling Supervisor for the Rape Crisis Center so that it may provide free therapeutic counseling to survivors of sexual assault in Northwest Arkansas.

All services provided by NWARCC are free of charge to any adult dealing with the aftermath of sexual violence. “At any time, any person can become the victim of sexual assault or rape—that is why we are available 24 hours a day to serve anyone who is suffering from the immediate crisis of sexual assault or the ongoing emotional and even legal challenges that are the aftermath of rape,” explained Anne Shelley, executive director of NWARCC.

Services include a 24-hour hotline, advocacy, support groups, counseling and a forensic exam clinic. NWARCC is the only stand-alone rape crisis center in the state of Arkansas that also provides sexual assault examinations. NWARCC also provides educational presentations to schools and community organizations.

“In my work at the Rape Crisis Center, I see the important difference that is made in the lives of survivors every day,” adds Marcy. “I hope that lots of folks will join Broad Daylight in supporting this important work that is truly making a difference in our community.”

The benefit concert will be held at 8 p.m. on June 28 at Passages Rising which is located at 14 E. Meadow Street in Fayetteville. Suggested donation is $10. For more information on The Northwest Arkansas Rape Crisis Center, contact: 479-445-6448; 24 Hour HOTLINE: 800-794-4175; nwarapecrisis.org