At 9 a.m. April 27, Domestic and Sexual Abuse Services, an organization serving St. Joseph, Van Buren and Cass counties with the objective of leading efforts to end domestic violence and sexual assault in southwest Michigan, will be hosting its fourth annual Survivor Stomp at Russ Forest Park in Decatur.

The 5K run or 1.4-mile walk is designed to raise donations and awareness for victims of sexual assault and abuse. It costs $25 to register for the 5K race. There is no cost to participate in the walk, though walkers are encouraged to take pledges. Participants are also allowed to bring their dogs on the walk, so long as they are leashed.

I would encourage anyone who is able to participate in this year’s survivor stomp.

Personally, I will be walking on the morning of April 27. I will not only be participating because I believe it is essential to be active in the community, but I will be walking because I believe in the cause of supporting survivors of sexual assault. I have known too many friends who have been assaulted. I have seen too many women ask what they did wrong. I have sat in too many courtrooms as a reporter watching survivors confront their abusers.

Even though I am young, I have seen enough for a lifetime, and I know that we all need to be doing more to help curb sexual assault and abuse in our country and to support survivors. If I can have any part in helping to end sexual assault — even if it is just walking less than a mile and a half — I will do it.

Survivors of sexual assault and abuse deserve our understanding and support. I hope that on the morning of April 27, any survivors in attendance of the Survivor Stomp will be able to see a large crowd supporting them and know that they are not alone. Let’s make this a reality.

So, if you are free on April 27, get up early, lace up your running shoes and show local survivors that you care.

If you cannot run or walk, you can still donate to the cause by pledging to a walker or runner or by giving to DASAS directly.

For more information or to sign up for Survivor Stomp, visit dasasmi.org or the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Services Facebook page.