Local group marches to cancel rape culture

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A newly formed coalition of women held a march Tuesday in downtown Bowling Green with one goal in mind, to cancel rape culture.

A group of young people gathered together to rally in support of victims of rape and sexual assault and to call for justice for those survivors.

Chelsey Mather, the president of Cancel Rape Culture Coalition, along with a group of women decided enough was enough after a recent reported rape at a Western Kentucky University fraternity.

Mather said the issue is too large nationwide to stay quiet.

“I’m passionate about it, not only as a survivor, but as a sister and as a friend to other victims and survivors. I think so often, they don’t get justice. Victims don’t get justice; survivors don’t get justice. It goes unaccounted for. So I think, if we bring more awareness to it, then change will happen,” said Mather.

The group of women stepped up and created a group hoping to help support survivors and advocate for change.

One of the co-founders, Cassie Goodwin, emphasized one of the groups big points, victims are never at fault for an assault.

“It’s never the victim’s fault. I wish society didn’t push the idea that it is because what happens to you, happens to you. It is on the other person for violating your personal boundaries. It’s on the other person for not respecting your bodily autonomy,” said Goodwin.

The group’s goal is to help in any way they can.

They hope to be a support to survivors, a voice to the voiceless and a change in the world around them.

If you are a survivor looking for resources or support or just want more information on the Cancel Rape Culture Coalition, you can contact them at 270-448-7500.