Solidarity Rally against rape and in support of New Year’s Eve victim draws large crowd

Part of the rallying crowd infront of the Congress Theater

About 150 residents, four major media networks and area politicians attended a solidarity rally last night in response to the New Year's Eve sexual assault of an 18-year old suburban woman, perpetrated by at least six men.

Led by David Cassel from Alliance of Local Service Organization (ALSO), the rally began with a moment of silence for the victim, who is now at home recovering, according to a Chicago Tribune. Cassel said the purpose of this rally is to support, educate and prevent.

Rape Victims Alliance (RVA) Executive Director Sharmili Majmudar, led off a series of speakers. "The idea that sexual assault happens more in the city is a myth, it happens everywhere." In this case, a group of friends went to the Congress Theater, 2135 N Milwaukee Ave., on New Year's Eve to see a show by British DJ Rusko and was denied admittance for not having proper ID. The victim of this assault was part of the group. Majmudar went on to tell the crowd that people can help end sexual violence by believing the victims, reminding them that it's not their fault and knowing the available support resources. "We have the power to end sexual violence," she said.

Commander Flores speaks to the crowd as Alderman Moreno and State Rep. Berrios listen

Steve Adler, Majmudar's colleague, said, "Rape is not a women's issue, it's a man's issue." Ninety-eight percent of sexual assaults are against women. "We live in a rape culture, where it's OK to tell rape jokes," Adler said. "Manhood is not about being tough, it's not about being dominant. It's about being sensitive and empathetic."

All the local politicians spoke with vitriolic condemnation of the perpetrators of this attack. State Senator Iris Martinez called them "cowards" and pledged to continue to fight for funding in Springfield for programs, like ALSO, which help victims of crime as well as promote prevention. State Representative Toni Berrios asked for cooperation with the police and said, "We will not accept this in our community." State Representative Derrick Smith echoed many of their comments.

Proco "Joe" Moreno, 1st Ward Alderman, who represents the area where the attack occurred, said he has been working with the Congress Theater on improving their security procedures in an effort to prevent any future incidents like this. He said that the Congress has been more than cooperative. Moreno pointed out a group of his volunteers, who were wearing high-visibility orange vests with the City Seal on the back, and said these men will be in the neighborhood to help with security in the future.

Both Latino and English media covered the rally.

Moreno said the perpetrators of this assault, "are not men, they are evil little boys, who are not welcome here." The suspected perpetrators of the attack are juveniles. Responding to this fact Moreno also laid responsibility at the feet of the families of these suspects.

Linda Flores, 14^th District Police Commander, said she was appreciative of the support and cooperation from the community and that, "All I can tell right now is that we're dedicating all our resources to this investigation." She called the incident, "Criminal, violent and disgusting."

"Break the silence-end sexual violence," was the chant, which concluded the hour-long rally. The crowd then dispersed with a variety of informational handouts given by various organizations and, as one lady said, a sense that the community had "registered our disgust tonight."

Photos courtesy of Matthew Bailey