Sexual assault is often an isolating experience, despite research showing sexual violence is all too common for many. On April 27, on a windy and slightly rainy afternoon, a group of around 75 runners and walkers took to Doane’s Cross Country course to raise awareness about sexual assault and to support Hope Crisis Center, Crete’s local victim advocacy agency, through an event called Steps4Them.
“Bringing attention to survivors is critical, as research shows that far too many people experience sexual violence in their lifetime. Believing and supporting survivors is key to their ability to seek help and begin healing,” CAPE Project Director Jaden Hilkemann said, “It is equally important to support local victim advocacy organizations, as they are dedicated to serving survivors and often operate as nonprofits, meaning every donation directly helps sustain their vital mission.”
Steps4Them had a four-dollar sign-up and allowed participants to either walk a one-mile loop or run a 5k on the Doane cross country course, a course so notoriously difficult that no collegiate teams even elected to attend Doane’s home meet during the 2024 cross country season.
“We are so grateful that the weather held up this year, allowing us to host the event on the cross-country course. While it can be a challenging course, it is very beautiful, and I am glad more people got to experience it! Although it was a bit windy and misty, we still saw some fantastic performances. It was inspiring to watch participants push themselves and get competitive,” Hilkemann said.
The event was founded by Smith CD Alexis Lipson and was co-sponsored by the Chi-Delta sorority. Hilkemann said events like this remind her that Doane is a place of community and that they care about survivors of sexual violence. She hopes that this event will only grow in scope so that it can further help give resources to the Hope Crisis Center.
“The best ways people can support CAPE’s mission are by believing survivors and living a consent-centered, trauma-informed life. If someone discloses an experience of sexual violence to you, it is important to believe them, listen without judgment, and connect them with resources such as Hope Crisis Center, CAPE, or the Counseling Center,” Hilkemann said. “I hope that, in the future, Steps4Them can continue to grow into a well-known running event for the Doane, Crete, and Lincoln communities.”
CAPE’s next event will be on April 30 and is an observance of Demin Day, Denim Day is an international campaign that began after a court ruling where a survivor’s report of sexual assault was dismissed because the judge said her jeans were “too tight” and she must have helped remove them, implying consent. Doane members are advised to wear denim in observance of the day.
