BLACKSBURG – Students and community members gathered on April 10, 2025, in the Graduate Life Center (GLC) at Virginia Tech University to provide a platform for survivors of sexual assault to share stories and provide education and resources to support sexual assault victims in breaking their silence.
The Virginia Tech United Feminist Movement organization holds the annual rally, this year celebrating their 36th anniversary. Local organizations who provide resources to students and community members were available to share information as well, with tables positioned outside of the GLC’s auditorium.
The rally began at 6:30 p.m. with a musical performance by Gin & Sonic, a young group of talented musicians who easily span an array of music genres. According to their website at www.lojazz.com, lead vocalist and guitarist Lo Jazz said, “Our goal is to take our listeners on a journey through different musical landscapes, all while keeping their feet moving on the dance floor.”
The music set the stage for an inspirational rally allowing a safe space for survivors to share their stories with the audience. The event is open to everyone, but no recording of the event or pictures are permitted during the speaking portion of the evening. Gender-based violence, sexual assault, and stalking were topics shared openly with the group in their goal to break the silence for victims who may feel afraid to come forward.
Blacksburg Town Council member Susan Anderson, and also the President of the Montgomery National Organization for Women (NOW) Chapter of Virginia NOW, passed out resources at the event and later took the stage to discuss legislation currently in the House of Delegates and Senate. One of the three amendments discussed during her speech is the HJ9 Amendment in Virginia that would ensure the right for all individuals to make their own reproductive health decisions. Anderson said Virginia voters should be aware of all legislation coming in 2025 and again in 2026, so that amendments could be moved forward.
Following the speaking portion of the rally, attendees took to the streets to march in solidarity and share their message. Local police accompanied the group in support of providing a safe environment.
Another organization in attendance was the Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley. The Center offers counseling, emergency and transitional shelter, emergency advocacy, justice system advocacy, prevention and education, as well as a 24-hour crisis hotline. Their services are free and confidential, according to the information provided at the event. Resources are also available for supporters of sexual assault victims, urging people to “Stand Up! Speak Up!” if witnesses see something happen. The Center can provide intervening methods for bystanders on how to interrupt an assault and/or what to do after an event is witnessed.
The 24-hour hotline local number for the Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley is (540) 639-1123 or regionally toll-free at 1-800-788-1123.
