Break the Silence provides a voice for victims of sexual abuse
Marcus Reese doesn’t believe in being silent about oppression.
A victim of sexual abuse as a child, Reese wanted to give those in similar situations a voice. His Break the Silence event took place for the fourth time in as many years April 11 at Murphy Park.
The free event raises awareness about childhood sexual abuse and provides resources to the victims and families.
“I was motivated to start this because of my own story and knowing what it’s like to go through this pain. Growing up, there wasn’t an outlet for people who were suffering like I was suffering,” Reese said.
“Once I was able to get a conviction against my abuser, I wanted to be able to come back and make that journey easier for someone else.”
The event has expanded each year since starting in 2023, according to Reese.
“Our numbers have grown from 120 people the first year to more than 400,” he said. “We also have a record of direct services this year. It’s beautiful.”
Reese said 16 agencies that directly help victims and families took part in Break the Silence.
They included Little Fireflies, Hope Alliance, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Texas Baptist Children’s Home, My Community Catalyst, Unbound Now, Bikers Against Child Abuse International, Health Quest, Impact Counseling Services, the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, Bluebonnet Trails Community Services, Law Enforcement Victim Services, Taylor Independent School District and Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center.
“What’s really important is the agencies here stretch across the state, which is powerful,” Reese said. “The agencies that come here maintain their spot.”
Break the Silence raised more than $8,000, organizers said. The event also featured activities and treats for children and adults alike, including face painting, balloons, pizza, cotton candy and a half-mile race.
“Our biggest push is community trust,” Reese said. “The fact that we do this every year and it’s free and it’s centered around victims and their families helps this event grow. We want kids to be able to be kids.”
Reese also noted Taylor High School senior Antonio Estrada won the half-mile race for the fourth time in as many years.
The undefeated Estrada participated in track and field, cross country and powerlifting at Taylor and was crowned the homecoming king in October.
He plans to attend the University of Texas next fall.
