Twin Lakes---A nurse at Aurora Hospital in Kenosha who took it upon herself to try to reduce the number of sexual assaults at Country Thunder says she thinks she made a big impact this year.
Rebecca Rodriguez is a forensic nurse examiner, and as such, comes into contact with many sexual assault victims.
At last year’s music festival some 10 sexual assault victims were treated—a spike from previous years.
This year’s festival is ending Sunday night, and as of late Saturday night none had been treated at Aurora, the only area medical facility that offers forensic examinations.
Piggybacking on the White House initiative called “It’s On Us,” Rodriguez and her volunteer crew staffed an information booth that was located near the main entrance. In addition, short public service announcements were shown on the JumboTrons.
Rodriguez tells WGTD she hopes to be back next year, not only staffing the booth, but also walking through the campgrounds, considered by some to be a breeding ground of trouble. "I think what we did this year made such an impact," she said in a phone interview Sunday.
She estimates that well over 1,000 people stopped by her booth to chat. In addition, petition signatures were collected from people who promised to do something if they see a sexual assault occurring.
Rodriguez had praised for both the organizers of the music festival who welcomed them in with open arms, and sheriff's deputies who provided assistance.
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