Twice Vandalized NJ Memorial to Clergy Sex Abuse Victims Rededicated in Special Ceremony

Now, female victims are the focus as two national advocates, Jill Starishevsky and Angela Rose, pay tribute to survivors in honor of Child Awareness Abuse Month.

To learn more write to info@protectkidsfirst.org

(MENDHAM, NJ) - Blue Sunday at the Millstone Memorial, the nation’s first memorial in remembrance of clergy sex abuse survivors which was destroyed by a vandal for the second time in less than two years.

It happens Sunday, April 28, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception at Black Horse Inn following the ceremony.

The location is:

Church of St. Joseph
8 West Main Street
Mendham, New Jersey 07945

Originally dedicated in 2004, the Millstone Memorial is a national touchstone for survivors of clergy sexual abuse. Its physical location on the grounds of the church where dozens were abused is, for some, the first public recognition of that abuse and a significant beginning step in their personal healing. This year we are also sending a message of hope for protecting kids but also protecting the very memorial itself from future destruction. We are still in the process of raising funds to restore the girl statue that was completely shattered last month.

Survivors and family members of survivors and supporters This year’s Millstone Memorial Ceremony is in honor of Child Abuse Awareness Month with special focus on female victims. Special guest speaker, Angela Rose, who is the founder of PAVE (Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment) and seasoned speaker in numerous media appearances, including The Oprah Winfrey Network, The Today Show, and Time magazine. Her traumatic experience of being abducted at knifepoint outside a shopping mall and assaulted by a repeat sex-offender who was on parole for murder, was also retold on the show, “I Survived” on The Biography Channel.Another well respected guest speaker at the Millstone Ceremony will be Jill Starishevsky, notable author of children’s book My Body Belongs to Me and Assistant District Attorney in New York City, in which she has dedicated her career in seeking justice for victims of child abuse and sex crimes. Jill is also co-founder of the Innocence Revolution.

Monsignor Kenneth Lasch who worked hard with survivors in promoting healing, and who was the driving force of making the Millstone Memorial possible in 2004 will also be apart of the ceremony.

Child abuse survivors, family members and child advocacy groups will all come together, pay tribute to victims as well as reflect on the immediate need to spread awareness about child sex abuse.

The ceremony is open to the public and all supporters are encouraged to attend.

Email us at info@protectkidsfirst.org or visit us at protectkidsfirst.org or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ProtectKidsFirst