Mother/Daughter Book Signing Event for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

For Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Loresha Phillips and daughter Destiny Phillips are releasing their newly published books, “Will Thou Be Made Whole, A true story of trauma, hope and love” and “Perfect Timing”, a historical fiction that takes you on a journey on how far we’ve come as it concerns racism in our society, which has taken many years to write.

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This kick-off event will take place on Saturday April 1, from 6pm – 8pm at Hope Café (201 E. Tryon Rd) Raleigh, NC. There will be live music, food, and giveaways. You must have a ticket to get in. Book Pre-sales will begin on March 20, 2017. There will be a limited amount of books on hand, therefore it is recommended that you pre-order your book.

Loresha, co-founder of Time4Change, a local non- profit organization that provides support for victims and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, feels that sharing her journey of surviving and overcoming abusive situations during her lifetime will help others as much as others have helped her. Loresha’s recalls her tumultuous childhood of being sexually abused and the many phases of her journey while she struggled to overcome the damage done. Retelling her story, she exemplifies ways God helped her find total healing and wholeness.

Her daughter Destiny Her daughter Destiny’s love for reading and writing was inspired by her mother’s courage, resulting in a historical fiction of her own.

For more information about the book signing, visit www.time4changenc.org or call 919-628-6749.

Sexual violence, that is any sexual activity where consent is not freely given, is a very serious public health problem that affects millions of women and men. This includes completed or attempted sex acts that are against the victim’s will or involve a victim who is unable to consent. In the United States, 1 in 5 women have experienced completed or attempted rape, and about 1 in 15 men have been made to penetrate someone in their lifetime. Most victims first experienced sexual violence before age 25.

Statistics underestimate the problem because many victims do not tell the police, family, or friends about the violence. Sexual violence impacts health in many ways and can lead to long-term physical and mental health problems. For example, victims may experience chronic pain, headaches, and sexually transmitted diseases. They are often fearful or anxious and may have problems trusting others. Anger and stress can lead to eating disorders, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

If you are or someone you know is a victim of sexual violence:

  • Contact the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Get information at RAINN.
  • Contact your local emergency services at 9-1-1.