Sarnia, ON – Sexual assault and abuse creates a lasting scar on the lives of the victims.  Speaking up against these crimes, through visuals and words, is crucial to protecting children and youth from its life-long effects and as therapy for those who have suffered. 

On Thursday, July 16 at 10:00 a.m., the public is invited to the Sarnia Library for the unveiling of a survivors' quilt entitled "Shattered lives held together by a common thread".  The quilt has been pieced together by a group of women who are victims of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of a local priest. The quilt will hang in the teen section of the library for the next three months. 

"This quilt has provided these women with a way of expressing their feelings through art," says Irene Williams, who will be telling the story behind the quilt and its message at the unveiling.  "Our hope is that this quilt will touch the hearts of many and remind them that we need to protect our little innocent children."

The Sexual Assault Survivors' Centre will be offering a FREE program for youth, ages 8-12, and their parents following the presentation at 10:30 a.m.  Knowledge is Power is a non-threatening educational resource featuring a resource puzzle presentation and question and answer period.  For more information or to pre-register, contact the Sarnia Children's Library at 519 337-3291.

Lambton County’s 26 branch libraries provide a variety of FREE services to the public including programming and Internet access.  For more information about Lambton County Library, visit www.lclmg.org.

For more information about Lambton County, visit www.lambtononline.ca.

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Contact:

Susie Beynon

Public Services Manager

County of Lambton

Telephone:  519 337-3291

Fax:  519 337-3041

email:  susie.beynon@county-lambton.on.ca