Fort Worth, Texas – April 8, 2025 – For 28 years, Victory Over Violence has been more than a race — it’s been a force for transformation in Tarrant County. Every stride taken, every dollar raised powers life-changing resources for survivors of sexual assault through The Women’s Center.
The race, which takes place on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at the Trinity Park Duck Pond, kicks off a month-long recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month. “Each year, we help more women, men and children overcome the trauma of violence through our Rape Crisis and Victim Services Program, offering these services free of charge to the community. The funds raised at the Victory Over Violence Walk/Run are critical because they enable us to provide much needed services to both prevent violence and help survivors heal,” said Laura Hilgart, President/CEO.
WE ALL KNOW SOMEONE
The statistics are stark: 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys experience sexual abuse and sexual assault by age 18. This means there are survivors in your life, whether you know their story or not. They’re your friends, family members, colleagues and neighbors. This race honors their journey and helps build a future where every survivor has access to the support they need.
Your participation creates real impact. It funds the 24-hour crisis hotline that’s always there to answer a call for help. It provides counseling that helps children break free from cycles of abuse. It ensures survivors have an advocate by their side in hospital rooms and courthouses. It empowers an education initiative that gives youth a safe place to speak up. It ensures frontline professionals have the tools and language to compassionately respond to survivors in their most vulnerable moments.
For survivors attending, this day is about you and all the steps you’ve taken. You are surrounded by support, and your presence matters. You are not alone. As the park bursts into spring bloom, we celebrate renewal, resilience and the power of community to create change
THIS RACE POWERS REAL CHANGE
One summer evening, a serial rapist slid his way into a Benbrook living room window and pressed his knife to Heather Tatom’s throat. At that moment, she felt like she was going to die. But she survived.
“As a survivor who benefited greatly from the volunteer that supported me at the hospital and the services of The Women’s Center, I can’t imagine not turning around to help the next survivor,” said Heather, victim advocate for The Center. “We are there for victims at their darkest time. I know personally how crucial this work is. It is hard, heavy work but so incredibly rewarding and needed.”
Funds raised at this event help survivors like Heather receive services from the Rape Crisis and Victim Services Program, so they can overcome the devastating effects of violence and live healthier, happier lives.
DO GOOD IN OUR COMMUNITY
It’s not too late to join us at Trinity Park this Saturday. Register for the event. Donate. Be a part of something powerful: a community that stands together, believes survivors and proves there’s always a way forward. Sign up or make a donation today at www.vovfw.org. For more information, CONTACT: Fran McQueen, Marketing & Communications Manager The Women’s Center, fmcqueen@womenscentertc.org O: 817.927.4006 | C: 817.991.4062.
Event Details:
• Date: Saturday, April 12
• Location: Trinity Park Duck Pond
• Time: 8:00 am – 1K Fun Run; 8:30 am – 5K Walk/Run
• Registration: www.vovfw.org