Crime survivors join together to heal during Survivors Speak Healing Vigil Day of Action

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Dozens of survivors of crime from Northeast Ohio came together to heal and share stories of survival during the Survivors Speak National Healing Vigil Day of Action.

Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice hosted the event at the Phyllis Wheatley Association in Cleveland.

Cleveland native Chinetha Hall stood on the stage after sharing her personal story of domestic violence and said, “When survivors speak …”

“… Change happens,” rang out from the crowd.

It was a phrase that was repeated throughout the afternoon, reminding those in attendance that sharing their stories of violent crime is how victims can heal and help shape public policy.

Domestic-abuse survivor Jonetta Bowles also shared her story, saying she made it through the trauma of abuse with the help of the Brenda Glass Trauma Center. She was living out of her car to escape the abuse before getting the help she needed to start over.

According to Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice’s website, hundreds of crime survivors mark the end of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by hosting the fourth annual Survivors Speak National Healing Vigil Day of Action. The site says the vigils reaffirm their commitment to sharing stories, honoring survivors and loved ones, and advocate for smart justice policies that prevent crime, reduce incarceration and better support survivors, families and communities.