PAVE's LOVE FEST set to empower victims of crime

February 9, 1:37 PMCrime ExaminerCindy Adams

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Angela Rose, Founder and Executive Director of PAVE.

With all of the publicity surrounding the public memorial service of murder victim Caylee Anthony on Tuesday, this seems an excellent time to remember all victims of crime—those whose lives were taken and those who survived their horrific ordeals and want to help others.

Survivor Angela Rose

One of those survivors is Angela Rose, who in 1996, at only 17-years-old was attacked at knifepoint when leaving her job at a shopping mall.  Angela was sexually assaulted and left bruised and disoriented from the assault.  Her attacker let her go and it was discovered he was a paroled sex offender out on parole for murder.

Angela reported the attack to the police and was treated inhumanely.  The detective she spoke with did not believe her story and she felt victimized all over again—this time by the authorities.  Angela became upset and angered by her treatment and decided to turn her anger into activism.

A Beacon of Light

Angela worked with some of her perpetrator’s prior victims and involved the community to help enact the Illinois Sexually Dangerous Persons Commitment Act in 1998.  She became a beacon of light for victims of violent sex crime in Illinois and these victims began to confide in her due to her strength and vigilance.  This opened her eyes to the fact that sex crimes are common and many of them are committed by friends and acquaintances. 

While attending college, Angela sought out organizations that could assist victims of sex crimes, while also lobbying for change.  She was unsuccessful in her quest, and after consulting with members of the community, her college professors, victim’s advocates, and employees of the Department of Corrections she realized there was a desperate need for a group that would assist victims of sexual violence.

PAVE

PAVE [Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment], a non-profit organization, was born out of Angela’s determination and her desire to help sex crime victims deal with the issues they may face in the aftermath of their attack. 

PAVE is open to everyone, not just survivors, and works to prevent sexual and domestic violence before it begins.  PAVE’s goal is to create an awareness and response to the injustices that may be done to victims and survivors of sex crimes.  In so doing PAVE is working to end sexual violence nationwide through empowerment and education.  The organization has several chapters in a number of different states and Angela continues to serve as PAVE’s Executive Director. 

Join the LOVE FEST

On Sunday, Feb. 15 from 4 to 8 p.m., PAVE will be holding a LOVE FEST to promote victim empowerment and celebrate its 8 year anniversary.  Music from Anne Harris will be featured, with host Nikki Patin of HBO Def Jam Poet fame, a burlesque show featuring Red Hot Annie, local celebrities like model and television host April Rose, and members of the Chicago Fire Department.  There will be a raffle that will include a getaway at the W Hotel and Bulls tickets.  In addition, the even will be full of surprises and fun. 

The LOVE FEST will be held at Martyrs located at 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago and tickets can be purchased at www.pavingtheway.net.  The event is for adults 21 and over. 

If you are unable to attend this worthwhile event, you can join or help PAVE by visiting them at www.pavingtheway.net.  The site will also update you on upcoming events and the progress PAVE has made in helping to end violent crime.