In 2007, the Rape Crisis Center, Brazos Valley served 215 survivors of sexual abuse/assault from Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson and Washington counties. While that number increases each year, that also means that more people are reporting assaults, which means the Rape Crisis Center is doing its job in raising awareness. Not only does the center offer a 24 hour hotline and 24 hour escort service to hospitals, police departments, etc., it also offers counseling services. But the reason the Brazos Valley is more educated about sexual assault is because the staff goes into the outlying counties, putting on educational seminars to help reduce the number of sexual assaults.

On Thursday, April 17th, the community will come together to honor survivors of sexual assault. The 24th annual candlelight vigil will take place at 5:30 p.m. at A&M Church of Christ in College Station. The vigil is open to the public.

During the event, center officials will also unveil the agency's new name and logo.

If you have any questions or need the center's assistance, please call 979-731-1000.

As a proud board member of the Rape Crisis Center, I urge everyone to light a candle on Thursday and remember the survivors.