In recognition of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and also National Poetry Month—both in April—teens and adults who have experienced sexual abuse will be gathering for a sexual abuse poetry reading from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, April 13 at Soft Machine Gallery in Allentown. Local therapist, Anne Crothers of Healing Works, and Cohen & Feeley Attorneys at Law are co-sponsoring the event. Survivors are encouraged to break the silence for one night. Those brave enough to read a poem will receive a “swag bag” with products donated by local businesses.

Readers will include experienced poets and those sharing for the first time. Proceeds will go to benefit Pennsylvania Coalition against Rape (PCAR). The event will also feature two local musicians, Sam Crothers and Bob Perrone, and local poet/artist Yodi Vaden, who is emceeing the event. Artwork related to abuse will be displayed as part of the event, and local artist and psychotherapist, Nancy Marshall, will be showing a series of paintings about abuse and sharing about her work. 

Soft Machine Gallery is located at 725 N. 15th Street, Suite 7 in Allentown. For more information about the sponsors, visit HealingWorksAllentown.com or CohenFeeley.com.