NORTH CENTER — Organizers of a community walk intended to show support for a North Center victim of sexual assault have canceled the event out of concern it would create more distress for the woman.
After consulting with the Rape Victim Advocates center, organizers determined that "any attention, no matter how well-meant, may cause [the victim] further difficulty, instead of helping," they shared in a note.
"Respect our neighbor's privacy and her right to remain anonymous," organizers said.
A small memorial for the victim has also been removed.
At 9:10 p.m. on Sunday, the 31-year-old woman was walking in the 2500 block of West Pensacola Avenue when a man grabbed her from behind, robbed her, forced her into an alley and sexually assaulted her, police said.
A community meeting is being planned, by individuals unrelated to the support walk, for 7 p.m., May 12, at Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.
The discussion will focus on "how we can collectively take action to ensure the protection of and care for all our neighbors," according to the event description.
The next CAPS meeting for the relevant beats is scheduled for 7 p.m., May 16, at Sulzer Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave.