Solidarity Run supports crime victims
EAST NORRITON » Linda VanOcker doesn’t know the name of the 19-yearold woman who was sexually assaulted at Norristown Farm Park Aug. 1.
And Wednesday night was her first time at the park.
What connects VanOcker to the victim and the 690acre location is her own history of teenage rape and the journey to overcome its effects.
VanOcker was raped at a party when she was 17 years old and did not have the support she needed. She says she “shut down” and attempted suicide twice.
“My spirit was destroyed. I went down a slippery slope,” explained VanOcker, a Berwyn resident. “I buried it then I coped with it. My coping was very dark. For me it was a spiritual journey. Today, I’m grateful for my pain and my struggles because from that grew my strength, courage and my voice.”
To show her support for the victim of the Aug. 1 attack, as well as the support of the entire community, VanOcker, along with Kelly Volpi and Ryan Graham, leader of the Norristown Running Club, organized Wednesday’s Solidarity Run at the park to benefit the Victim Services Center of Montgomery County.
The event’s Facebook page elicited what the organizers
called a “phenomenal” reaction.
“Our running community stands in solidarity with this woman, we are raising our voice, we are showing up, and we are speaking out in order to #stoptheviolence,” the page states.
“We are working together with the same goal even though we may never know her name,” VanOcker said, referring to the rape victim. “She has a name. We want to show her we care, she is important, she matters, she’s loved, and we got her back.”
Unlike other runs, there were no fees or registration required. Organizers asked for donations to the Victim Services Center, which is the only rape crisis center for Montgomery County and also helps victims of other violent crimes. Victim Services was on site Wednesday night providing support, educational resources, and programing information.
“We try to shed light on the issue of sexual assault and it’s great our community is responding and reclaiming the park. It’s a very
powerful message,” said Jessica Rice, community education program supervisor. “What we need to do instead of reducing our risk is try to change attitudes and beliefs that promote violence.”
“It took me 40 years to heal. I’m thrilled Victim Services is here,” said VanOcker.
Norristown Farm Park, which sits in parts of East Norriton, West Norriton and Norristown, is a regular spot for walkers, families, people with pets, bike riders, and avid runners like Montgomery County Commissioner Ken Lawrence.
“The only thing more horrible than the assault would be if it drove people away from this oasis,” said Lawrence, who participated in the run. “I was overwhelmed when I saw the amount of people here. This was grassroots. It shows the community has really rallied and we are going to keep our park.”
Men and women of a wide range of ages took part in either the 3-mile run or 1-mile walk. Some runners wore shirts from their respective running clubs or teal in recognition of sexual assault awareness.
Like many, Phoenixville’s Heather Vallino and Bridgeport’s Samantha Moyer were upset when they heard about the assault and wanted to show support. Vallino and her two daughters, Sofie, 6 and Annie, 5, did the 1-mile walk.
“I want my daughters to know there is a community out there who supports you and you can call on people when you need help,” said Vallino.
Moyer and her two sons, Xavier, 12, and Fenix, 6, walk in the park regularly but tonight’s visit had a different purpose.
“I want them to see these things happen and it isn’t always gender specific but no matter what it is, as a young man, it’s your job to be there to support women in these circumstances,” Moyer said. “As young men, growing up in today’s society they should help defend women’s rights.”